European Journal of Innovation Management

Exploring the microfoundations of external technology commercialization: A dynamic capabilities perspective : Table of Contents

Mattia Bianchi, Vittorio Chiesa, Federico Frattini — Sat Oct 10 08:00:17 BST 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – External technology commercialization (ETC) refers to the firm's transfer of technological assets, disembodied from products, to another organization involving a contractual obligation for compensation. The purpose of this paper is to identify the managerial and organizational antecedents that are capable of explaining superior capabilities in ETC. Design/methodology/approach – Starting from an in-depth analysis of the literature about technology commercialization and adopting the dynamic capabilities strategic perspective, the study develops a theoretical framework that shows how a number of concepts (resources, capabilities and microfoundations) may affect performance in ETC. A case study analysis is conducted with illustrative purposes. Findings – The paper shows that adequate management and organization of ETC activities are needed to successfully undertake ETC. Combining evidence from a case study and findings from prior studies, research propositions are developed regarding key process, organizational and human resource mechanisms that lie at the heart of superior capabilities in ETC. Practical implications – The paper provides technology and innovation managers with a number of suggestions for organizing and managing ETC that are likely to improve performance. Originality/value – Owing to the complexity of ETC related activities and the high transaction costs characterizing the markets for technologies, only few companies are reaping the gains from the commercialization of their technologies while the majority fail to realize their potential. This paper is the first attempt, to the best knowledge of the authors, which adopts the dynamic capabilities perspective to unearth the managerial levers driving superior performance in ETC.

Implementation of strategic green orientation in supply chain: An empirical study of manufacturing firms : Table of Contents

Paul Hong, He-Boong Kwon, James Jungbae Roh — Sat Oct 10 08:00:17 BST 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present a research model that defines the inter-relationships between strategic green orientation, integrated product development, supply chain coordination, green performance outcomes and business unit performance. This paper aims to address innovation issues by integrating strategic orientation, internal business practices, supply chain coordination, and performance outcomes measures. Design/methodology/approach – The international data of 711 firms accessed through the International Manufacturing Strategy Survey (IMSS IV) are used to validate this model. Findings – A firm's strategic green orientation involves past green practices, implementation of innovative environment improvement program and future commitment for environmental practices. This strategic green orientation is supported by a set of inter-organizational innovation practices such as integrated product development practices, effective coordination of supply chain network and relevant and measurable performance outcomes. Originality/value – The model, variables, empirical tests and results in this paper suggest a new understanding about strategic green orientation and its relationships with product development practices and supply chain coordination. The framework is intended both to explicitly inform senior executives of the importance of inter-organizational innovation practices such as strategic green orientation in terms of past, present and future practices as well as to the factors that effectively implement such strategic direction and commitment. It is also intended to provide a lens with which further research can be directed to enhance environmental reputation and outcomes of firms through new product development practices and supply chain network coordination and the sustainable long-term competitive advantages of the firms.

Product innovation in small manufacturers, market orientation and the industry's five competitive forces: Empirical evidence from Spain : Table of Contents

Miguel Hernández-Espallardo, Elena Delgado-Ballester — Sat Oct 10 08:00:17 BST 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to study whether the effectiveness of innovation in improving a firm's performance varies in different competitive situations and to analyze whether the competitive forces act as a motivator or as an inhibitor. Design/methodology/approach – The paper formulates some hypotheses from the literature review. These hypotheses are tested using structural equation modelling with data collected from 218 manufacturers. Findings – The findings show that small firms must invest in innovation preferably when competitive forces are more intense. Moreover it is found the positive role that market orientation plays in promoting innovation and performance, no matter the level of the competitive forces. Research limitations/implications – A decision had to be taken on the range of concepts and the domain used for measuring each concept. For future research the paper suggests considering different types of innovations (e.g. incremental vs radical) to get a more precise explanation of the set of relationships considered in this research. Practical implications – SMEs have to use product innovation in accordance with their competitive situation. When competitive pressure is low, SMEs should be cautious about exaggerating investments on product innovation, whereas investments in other type of market oriented behaviours could be more productive. On the other hand, firms should focus on innovations based on market orientation when the competitive forces expose them to a harsh environment. Originality/value – This paper provides a clarification of the reasons that may be behind a positive, a negative, or a non-significant moderating effect of the firm's competitive forces on the market orientation-product innovation relationship in small manufacturers.

Selecting the right channel for knowledge transfer between industry and science: Consider the R&D-activity : Table of Contents

Maarten van Gils, Geert Vissers, Jan de Wit — Sat Oct 10 08:00:17 BST 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – This paper aims to explore the relationship between the types of R&D-activities within science-based firms and the knowledge transfer channels used for industry-science collaboration. Rooted in a contingency approach, it seeks to identify patterns in the organization of knowledge transfer and to disclose ways that may support R&D-managers in achieving effective knowledge transfer. Design/methodology/approach – The paper is an exploratory study in order to obtain a deep understanding of the relationship. At first, both the types of R&D-activity and the knowledge transfer channels were conceptualized based on an extensive literature review. Second, data were collected by means of semi-structured interviews with 17 (assistant) R&D-managers of ten large European chemical firms. Findings – The analysis suggests that almost each of the knowledge transfer channels used for industry-science collaboration has a more or less unique link to a specific type of R&D-activity. An empirically based model is developed that visualizes the linkages. In addition, explanations for observed links are proposed. Research limitations/implications – The empirical analysis reported focuses on multinational firms in the science-based European chemical industry, because they invest heavily in R&D and are hence more interested in collaboration with scientific partners. Further research is needed to determine the model's applicability in other empirical settings, both within and outside science-based industries. Practical implications – The paper provides R&D-managers with a model that may support them in deciding how to organize their collaboration with scientific partners based on the type of their internal R&D-activity to achieve effective knowledge transfer. Originality/value – The paper is one of the first studies that empirically assesses the relationship between the types of R&D-activities in firms and the knowledge transfer channels that are used for industry-science collaboration.

Exploring management control in radical innovation projects : Table of Contents

Vittorio Chiesa, Federico Frattini, Lucio Lamberti, Giuliano Noci — Sat Oct 10 08:00:17 BST 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – This paper seeks to endorse the management control system taxonomy by Robert Simons to explore whether, how and why different approaches to management control are more intensely employed: in different phases of the radical innovation process; and in innovation projects showing different degrees of radicalness. Moreover, it aims to discuss the influence exerted by some contextual variables. Design/methodology/approach – Case studies concerning four innovation projects (two radical in nature and two incremental) implemented by two companies operating in the home automation industry in Italy were conducted. Findings – It is found that radical innovation projects, especially in the early stages of development, are characterized by a stronger reliance on flexible and social control management systems, while diagnostic control mainly emerges in late development and commercialization. Moreover, the moderating effect of the hypothesized contingent variables is widely discussed. Research limitations/implications – The work shows that Simons' taxonomy of the management control systems is a useful framework for exploring management control in radical projects at a strategic level, but also that it should be refined, as evidence shows a systematic hybridization of the systems adopted. An important implication is the great reliance on interactive systems, especially in the early stages. In this perspective, a deeper analysis on the nature and the proper management of interactivity could represent an interesting development of this study. Practical implications – The recurrent features in the two cases provide practitioners with a useful benchmark about management control of radical innovation projects in two successful companies. Case histories suggest the great importance of information sharing among the functions, and the need to properly develop interface structures between the involved functions to favor it in radical innovation processes. Originality/value – The paper is one of the first works on management control in radical innovation projects, and it contributes to the literature debate in two main ways: it tests Simons' taxonomy of management control systems for innovation projects, and it highlights the areas of improvement for analyzing “radicalness” in innovation processes.