A qualitative comparative analysis(QCA) of innovation network attributes

Abstract

Innovation network is a prime source of innovation performance and a hot topic in research. However, nearly all empirical study stands on the impact of individual network attribute on innovative performance. We propose a different, holistic framework, which posits that innovation performance doesn't depend on individual network attribute, but on specific configurations of such attributes. This study conducts a qualitative comparative analysis of innovation network attributes based on the data from 156 small medium enterprises (SMEs)in Beijing Hi-Tech Industrial Development Area, China. Result indicates that individual network attributes have complex trade-off effects and that 4 specific combinations of attributes act as sufficient conditions for innovative performance. Our findings contribute to managerial practice by providing new sights for reasonable utilization of innovation network.