Emerald | Journal of Knowledge-based Innovation in China

The Impact of Government R&D Investments on Patent Technology Transfer Activities of Chinese Universities– From the Perspective of Triple Helix Theory

kai Rao, Xian-fei Meng, Andrea Piccaluga — 2012-03-30 00:00:00.0

Abstract

Purpose - Triple helix theory stresses co-evolution and interaction among governments, enterprises and universities, and is paid great attention by governments, universities and enterprises worldwide. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the role that Chinese government R&D investments play in the interaction between enterprises and universities. Design/methodology/approach - Basing on provincial panel data of Chinese universities from 2004-2010, the impact of government R&D investments on patent technology transfer activities of Chinese universities is studied by empirical analysis. More specifically, the paper examines the impact of both Chinese government R&D funding and national R&D programs on the number and the revenue of patent technology transfer contracts.Findings - The study finds that the amount of government R&D funding and the number of 973 Program in one region have significantly increased the number and the revenue of patent technology transfer contracts in that region. Moreover, the number of National S&T Pillar Programs, 863 Program and National Natural Science Foundation Program are also determinants of the number of patent technology transfer contracts. Originality/value - This paper studies government’s role in university-enterprise patent technology transfer activities in a Chinese context. It reveals a government-dominant position to promote patent technology transfer activities in Chinese triple helix model. It also provides a reference for decision-makers in governments, industries and universities.

Nonexclusive Attention-Structure for Inter-organizational Knowledge Flow and Performance of the Pharmaceutical Firm

Tariq Malik — 2012-03-30 00:00:00.0

Abstract

Purpose - This article raises an empirical question whether a nonexclusive licensing for a technological exchange contributes to the firm’s performance better than an exclusive licensing (closed) structure. Data from 343 pharmaceutical firms were used to test effects of these modes (attention-structures) on inter-firm knowledge flow and the firm’s performance. The results revealed that the firm that used nonexclusive licensing more than exclusive modes performs better. The performance was measured in two ways: efficiencies and returns, both on assets and on investment. It appears that nonexclusive licensing is contributing more to the firm’s overall performance than an exclusive licensing. This paper makes an argument in favour of an open attention-structure. It also emphasises that structures may precede technologies. Therefore, relevant institutions need to be considered in favour of a nonexclusive attention-structure. These findings may be relevant for future research and practice or policy making. Design/methodology/approach - Design: An empirical study based on secondary data obtained from multiple propritary and open sources. Method: Quantitative analysis, hyptheses testing Findings - The firm that use non-exclusive mechanisms to transfer technology (inward or outward) is more likely to perform better than the firm that uses exclusive licensing to control and monopolise technology in the pharmaceutical industry. Research limitations/implications - - Limited to pharmaceutical industry - Limited to a small sample - Limited to a cross-section analysis - Limited to the observable data in the public domain; informal relations and technology transfer is in part of the study Limted to listed firms in the industry.Practical implications - - Open innovation is recommended - Knowledge flow to and from multiple directions is recommended - The more the users there are, the better the outcome for both the supplier and the buyer may be. - Joint activities are preferred more to in-house exclusivity Originality/value - Prior research is based on debates and arguments whether one governance system is better than the other. This article provides empirical evidence that relatively open system is better for all stakeholders-the firm, the industry and the society. Moreover, this article proposed a moderat level in the technology transaction process and management. It does no encourage free riding. At the same time, it disfavour extreme monopolies in the upstream.

THE TRIPLE HELIX MODEL AND DYNAMICS OF INNOVATION: A CASE STUDY

Maria Manuela Santos Natário, João Pedro Almeida Couto, Carlos Roque Almeida — 2012-03-30 00:00:00.0

Abstract

Purpose - This study aims to analyze the dynamics of the Triple Helix Model in less favoured regions, examining the role of the three spheres: university, firms, and government. It seeks to identify profiles of behavior in terms of Triple Helix Model performance from the firm’s perspective and to recognize key factors for successful innovation dynamics in a less favored region of Portugal.Design/methodology/approach - A brief bibliographic revision regarding development of the Triple Helix Model in the innovation process is followed by a description of the role of the helixes and the presentation of a model, after which the hypotheses are defined for testing. The methodology consists of a survey involving companies in a less favored region of Portugal and the application of multivariate statistical analysis "k-means clusters" to detect behavioral patterns in terms of performance and dynamics of the Triple Helix Model from the firm’s viewpoint. In order to verify the hypotheses, tests of multiple average differences are used to assess the unique characteristics of each cluster and the independent test of Chi-square. Findings - The results point to the existence of a positive relationship between the dynamics of the Triple Helix Model in terms of different types and objectives to innovate, namely in regards to introducing new products as well as ecological innovation and their efforts to improve communications relative to the obstacles to innovate explicitly the lack of information and geographical location, the companies’ innovation performance, and the level of cooperation and interaction with the university producing benefits for them in obtaining additional financial resources and prestige for the researcher as well as by obtaining information for the education process. Research limitations/implications - This study contributed to a greater theoretical understanding of the variables influencing the dynamics of Triple Helix Model, particularly in less favoured regions, and consequently in the performance of innovation, progressing with measures for several agents/actors involved in the Triple Helix. Practical implications - The practical implications of this study reveal the existing relations of Triple Helix Model in less favored regions in terms of attractiveness of region and investments in new products and ecologic innovation. The results show the need for a degree of application and commitment between the three helixes in the process of obtaining results and the association of the aforementioned in the coordination of activities with other companies, universities, and polytechnics as sources of information. Guidance from an innovation policy is associated with the need for stimulating projects of innovation in coordination with companies, universities, polytechnics, and government. Also, clients are key elements of knowledge, suppressing the negative effects from the location.Originality/value - This study contributes to a greater theoretical understanding of the variables influencing implementation of the Triple Helix Model in less favoured regions. It reveals conditions associated with a more active and proactive stance and consequently better innovation dynamics and regional attractiveness.

Research Fronts of International Entrepreneurship Education in the Visual Threshold of Knowmetrics

Li Ge, Xumei Peng — 2012-03-30 00:00:00.0

Abstract

Purpose - This paper aims at conducting qualitative research for research fronts of international entrepreneurship education based on quantitative analysis for visualization mapping in a new research perspective to make a study platform in the field of international entrepreneurship education. .Design/methodology/approach - 2000 bibliographic data in the field of international entrepreneurship education studied in this article are retrieved from Science Citation Index-Expanded (SCI-E) and Social Science Citation Index (SSCI) which are Journal Citation Index databases in Web of Science (WOS), during 1945 to 2010. Having combined quantitative analysis with qualitative thinking, the article has adopted the international emerging CiteSpace software and visualization method for processing bibliographic data and drawing knowledge mapping.Findings - We conclude that for more than half a century,the research fronts of international entrepreneurship education have focused on Holland theory; entrepreneurial self-efficacy, role modeling and start-up business performance; historical examination and application of entrepreneurship education; entrepreneurship education pedagogy, discipline and program; occupational aspiration and choice; high-school career education, social-cognitive variable and self-efficacy treatment; distance education course and career planning; educational productivity; career advancement and maturity.Originality/value - The bibliographic data and visualization method ensure the originality of this paper, which contributes to develop a new research perspective and study platform in the field of international entrepreneurship education. Furthermore, research directions and academic clues have been provided for teaching and research staff engaged in entrepreneurship education in China.

Penrose’s ‘Unused Services’: A Cross Cultural Perspective on Growth of Firms

Eleanor Doyle, Zheng Chen, Connell M. Fanning — 2012-03-30 00:00:00.0

Abstract

Purpose - Penrose introduced the concept of ‘unused services’ which she identified as the internal inducement to firm growth. The paper explores ‘unused services’, insufficiently examined in the literature to date by applying Eastern conceptual thinking to refine Penrose’s arguments.Design/methodology/approach - The centrality of ‘unused services’ to Penrose’s theory is highlighted. The rationale for a general propensity of entrepreneurial managers to overlook the generation of such services in practice is developed. Two Chinese concepts (Xing and Shi from Sun Tzu) are employed to work through their implications for Penrose’s concept. Findings - The continuous availability of unused services represent the firm’s propensity to grow (Shi) and is derived from the disposition of existing resources (Xing). Our cross-cultural perspective highlights the fundamental and inherent force governing the growth of the firm as the process through which the management team makes meaning of existing and potential productive resources to explore and exploit their unused services.Practical implications - Greater focus is required on the relationship between a firm’s physical resources and the thinking and sense-making of its managers. The art of achieving growth from a firm’s productive resources arises from the meaning-making capability and progression in managerial thinking of the management team facilitating its members to ‘see’ and exploit the inherent force for growth available in unused servicesOriginality/value - Our cross cultural perspective permits refinement of Penrose’s theory true to her focus on the inherent incentives and constraints on firm growth. Thus, thinking is advanced in terms of exploring the dominant factor governing the identification of potential productive opportunities within firms i.e. their source of growth. Implications for practice are provided in the research agenda.