The influence of R&D partnerships on innovation in manufacturing firms

Abstract

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to investigate how a manufacturer's relationship with firms operating in different institutional logics can facilitate or hinder the outcomes of research partnerships.Design/methodology/approachThe paper tests the study hypotheses based on a survey of 345 Chinese manufacturers.FindingsResults reveal that a manufacturer's partnerships with private firms and government institutions are both directly related to the manufacturer's innovation performance. However, the effectiveness of the research partnerships depends on the different institutional logics within which these organizations operate.Research limitations/implicationsThis study used a binary variable to capture the existence or absence of the partnership types examined implying that this variable does not capture the quantity of R&D relationships the firm is engaged in or the time period of such engagements.Practical implicationsIt is important for management to take into account the joint effect of both the firm and its partner's underlying institutional logics in establishing partnership relationships since the juxtaposition of different institutional logics can affect the outcomes of the relationship.Originality/valueThis research draws from institutional theory to contribute to knowledge in the area of innovation by emphasizing the importance of the overarching institutional logic on the effectiveness of different types of innovation‐driven research partnerships.

How SMEs can benefit from supply chain partnerships

“…A study by Hagedoorn (2002) showed that there has been a steady growth pattern in the number of R&D partnerships, especially in high-tech industries, during the last four decades. For partnerships in R&D, we refer to Ingham and Mothe (1998), Hagedoorn and Van Kranenburg (2003), Roijakkers and Hagedoorn (2006), Busom and Fernández-Ribas (2008), Frankort, Hagedoorn, and Letterie (2012), Azadegan, Napshin, and Oke (2013) among others. For partnerships in marketing, we refer to Brennan and Turnbull (1999), Wang and Kess (2006).…”

How Environmental Management Competitive Pressure Affects a Focal Firm's Environmental Innovation Activities: A Green Supply Chain Perspective

“…Previous studies have contributed to our understanding of supplier innovativeness (e.g., Wagner ; Azadegan et al. ), the role of the customer (e.g., Flint et al. ; Sampson and Spring ), the internal innovation climate (Oke et al.…”

“…Arlbjørn and Paulraj (2013) Firms leverage the innovation capabilities of their supply chain partners. Azadegan et al (2013) A firm's partnerships with private firms and governments are related to the firm's innovation performance. Bellingkrodt and Wallenburg (2013) Logistics service providers serve a critical role in a firm's ability to acquire knowledge for innovation.…”

The impact of host country regulatory quality on the value creation process in e-business supply chains

“…Based on prior evidence, we argue that this role of the government becomes pivotal by encouraging e-business use by establishing supportive business laws and legal systems that are secure, protect customers against fraudulent behaviour and also create an environment where legal systems can protect procurement contracts, thus creating a trustworthy platform for organisations to exchange financial information (Kaynak, Tatoglu, and Kula 2005). A conductive government policy in terms of developing supportive legal regulations, trade associations and technical standards will enable developing trust and exchange of information (Azadegan, Napshin, and Oke 2013). These issues have been discussed extensively by Lane (1997) in her book on public sector reform where she looks specifically at countries in the western world and demonstrates that trade associations, legal regulations and technical standards result in greater inter-firm trust and collaboration in Germany compared with in Britain.…”