Murat Atalay

Bio: Murat Atalay is an academic researcher from Akdeniz University. The author has contributed to research in topics: Relational capital & Intellectual capital. The author has an hindex of 6, co-authored 10 publications receiving 302 citations.

Impact of multilevel strategic alliances on innovation and firm performance: Evidence from the yacht-building industry in Turkey

Abstract: Purpose The purpose of this study is to explore the configuration of network ties that would have a positive impact on performance outcomes and test the presumed impact of multilevel strategic alliances on innovation and firm performance in a specific industry. Design/methodology/approach This study comprises part of a larger project on the network relations of yacht-building firms operating in Turkey. Data of the study was collected through face-to-face interviews and questionnaires with 143 yacht-building firms operating in major yacht-building regions of the country. Findings The findings of the study indicated the presence of meaningful relationship between total number of (strong) network relations perceived as strategic alliance and overall innovation performance. The generally presumed positive relationship between innovation performance and firm performance was supported. The type of innovation performance that was found to be related to the total number of network ties perceived as strategic alliance at national and global levels was product innovation performance. Practical implications A possible contribution of this study for industry members would be the implications of the finding that indicates positive impact of strategic alliances with different actors of the industry. Originality/value This study contributes to the exploration of network configurations that have a positive impact on innovation and firm performance, by dealing with the impact of the size, strength and geographical level of network relations in one single study. The yacht-building industry as the empirical setting represents a specific category of industry that rests on customized individual or small-batch manufacturing requiring considerable interaction with customers and suppliers. Because no study exists on this topic, findings can inspire similar industries.

Enhancing Innovation through Intellectual Capital: A Theoretical Overview

Abstract: Innovation is one of the main drivers of economic development. In the knowledge economy era, the quickness of technological developments and globalization has changed the structure of business world. Consequently, this situation creates opportunities and also threats for companies. Companies should attach importance to innovation in order to maintain sustainable growth and gain competitive advantage. According to Barsky and Marchat (2000) in the new economy the value of a company is not found with its tangible assets, revenues, financial ratios or market share, but with its intellectual capital, organizational culture, customer loyalty and brand equity. According to resource-based view of the company; the resources are fundamental factors of competitiveness and performance. These resources are regarded as strategic assets, which include tangible and intangible assets. Intellectual capital which is becoming one of the important commercial assets of the 21st century is a way of describing a company's intangible assets that are vital for company success. Intellectual capital consists of human capital, relational capital and structural capital. Intellectual capital which is a core strategical resource of a company is playing a crucial role in a company's innovation performance. This study attempts to analyze the interrelationships between intellectual capital and innovation in the context of resource-based view of the company. This study also focuses in particular on the effects of human capital, relational capital and structural capital which are the components of intellectual capital, on innovation by integrating the relevant theoretical and empirical evidence.

Types of innovation, sources of information and performance in entrepreneurial SMEs

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the information sourcing practices of small‐ to medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) associated with the development of different types of innovation (product/process/market/organizational). The relationship between different types of innovation and firms' performance is also to be examined.Design/methodology/approach – The paper is based on a quantitative study of a sample of SMEs located in the Northern Savo region in Finland. The entrepreneurs completed a questionnaire pertaining to, for example, whether their firms had introduced novel innovations and what were the sources of information behind these innovations.Findings – The introduction of novel product and market innovations appears to be associated with the use of more or less freely accessible information sources. The findings also indicate that the introduction of novel product, process and market innovations is positively associated with firms' growth. None of the types of innovation studied was fou...

Sustainability of SMEs in the Competition: A Systemic Review on Technological Challenges and SME Performance

Abstract: In the era of economic globalization, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are recognized as an engine of sustainable economic development in both the developed and developing world. In literature, three competitive challenges—the sustainability challenge, the global challenge and the technological challenge—faced by industrial entities in the current globalized economy, are categorized. Of them, this paper undertakes a systemic review of the literature covering the theme of SMEs and technology in order to identify how technological progress in the SMEs, correlates with SMEs survival improvement in the global competition. The review identified six driving forces—social capital, link with Multi-National Corporations (MNCs) and Transnational Corporations (TNCs), innovation, sharing and networking, information technology, and adoption of productivity-enhancing technology—influencing technological upgrade in the SMEs. The review also identified two conditions for successful technological adaptation in the SME sector—availability of technologically skillful workforce in the economy, and identification of opportunities of new technologies in the competition. These conditions could be viewed in the macro environment and emphasize the need for the economies’ readiness towards SMEs’ success.

Impact of Innovation Capabilities on Business Sustainability in Small and Medium Enterprises

Abstract: The rationale of this study was to investigate the effect of innovation types on business sustainability in the small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Quantitative approach was used for collecting th...