Shane Barrett, Frank Crowley, Justin Doran, Mari O'Connor
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Purpose
This paper examines the relationship between open innovation (measured by exploratory and exploitative linkages) and firm-level innovative activity in the offshore renewable energy (ORE) sector.
Design/methodology/approach
A unique, purpose-built survey that targeted firms operating in the ORE sector and its supply chain was used. The data provides novel insights into the research activities and networking capabilities of an industry in its infant stages of development. Regression models are used to estimate the relationship between firm-level external linkages and innovative activity.
Findings
Exploratory linkages are positively related to more innovative activity. This relationship is subject to diminishing returns, distinguishing the ORE sector from other sectors. Collaborating with suppliers and accessing scientific journals are conducive to research and development (R&D) activity and process innovation, whilst collaborating with customers is associated with the decision to introduce new products and processes.
Originality/value
This study provides evidence of a positive, but curvilinear, relationship between external knowledge linkages and innovative activity, adding novel insights into the relationship between open innovation (OI) strategies, research and innovation outcomes for firms predominantly in the introductory stages of the technological life cycle with limited commercialisation experience. The nuanced finding that specific linkages matter for certain research and innovation (R&I) outcomes adds deeper complexity to March’s (1991) framework, where tailoring certain exploratory or exploitative linkages to specific innovation activities is important.
期刊介绍:
The International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behavior & Research (IJEBR) has a unique focus on publishing original research related to the human and social dynamics of entrepreneurship, and entrepreneurial management in small and growing organizations. The journal has an international perspective on entrepreneurship and publishes conceptual papers and empirical studies which bring together issues of interest to academic researchers and educators, policy-makers and practitioners worldwide.The editorial team encourages high-quality submissions which advance the study of human and behavioural dimensions of entrepreneurship and smaller organizations. Examples of topics which illustrate the scope of the journal are provided below. Topicality Nascent entrepreneurship and new venture creation Management development and learning in smaller businesses Enterprise and entrepreneurship education, learning and careers Entrepreneurial psychology and cognition Management and transition in smaller, growing and family-owned enterprises Corporate entrepreneurship and venturing Entrepreneurial teams, management and organizations Social, sustainable and informal entrepreneurship National and international policy, historical and cultural studies in entrepreneurship Gender, minority and ethnic entrepreneurship Innovative research methods and theoretical development in entrepreneurship Resourcing and managing innovation in entrepreneurial ventures.