Showing papers in "European Journal of Innovation Management in 2020"
TL;DR: In this article, the authors explored the effect of entrepreneurial leadership on IWB of employees and introduced creative self-efficacy and support for innovation as the mechanisms through which the leaders encourage their employees' IWB in information and communications technology (ICT) SMEs in Iran.
Abstract: The crucial importance of innovation leadership for high technology small and medium-size enterprises (SMEs) has been suggested in the literature. However, few studies empirically examined the impact of leadership style on innovation work behavior (IWB) of employees in the context of SMEs. Furthermore, our knowledge is limited about how leaders of high technology SMEs influence the IWB of their employees. The present study explores the effect of entrepreneurial leadership on IWB of employees and introduces creative self-efficacy and support for innovation as the mechanisms through which the leaders encourage their employees' IWB in information and communications technology (ICT) SMEs in Iran.,The sample was selected from high technology ICT SMEs using the simple random sampling method and included 175 CEOs and owner-managers of the businesses. We used validated questionnaires to test the hypothesized relationships between entrepreneurial leadership, IWB, creative self-efficacy and support for innovation.,The findings show that entrepreneurial leadership has a significant and positive impact on IWB of employees in ICT SMEs. Furthermore, employees’ creative self-efficacy and leaders’ support for innovation mediate the relationship between entrepreneurial leadership and IWB. Implications of the results and suggestions for developing IWB among the employees of high technology SMEs are suggested.,The study makes important contributions to both entrepreneurial leadership and the innovation behavior literature and theory development specifically in high technology SMEs in the transitioning economy of Iran. The findings also contribute to the existing empirical studies on how entrepreneurial leadership affects IWB of employees by examining the mediating role of creative self-efficacy and support for innovation and in the settings of ICT high technology SMEs.
52 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors investigated the relationship between entrepreneurial leadership and employee innovative behavior and examined mediating role of affective commitment, creative self-efficacy and psychological safety in this relationship.
Abstract: PurposeThe purpose of this research is to determine the relationship between entrepreneurial leadership and employee innovative behavior and examine mediating role of affective commitment, creative self-efficacy and psychological safety in this relationship.Design/methodology/approachUsing cross-sectional research design, data were collected from 343 employees of information technology (IT) service firms in Pakistan. Partial least squares–structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) technique was applied to test the proposed research model.FindingsThe findings reveal that entrepreneurial leadership is strongly and positively related to employee innovative behavior. Moreover, affective commitment, creative self-efficacy and psychological safety simultaneously mediate this relationship.Practical implicationsThis study uncovers the important role of entrepreneurial leadership in driving employee innovative behavior in high-tech services industry. Findings of this study suggest that by practicing entrepreneurial behaviors, managers can enhance employees' affective commitment, creative self-efficacy and psychological safety, which invoke employees to demonstrate innovative behavior leading toward improved innovation performance at organizational level.Originality/valueThis research makes novel contribution to entrepreneurial leadership theory by using competing theoretical perspectives and subsequently providing more nuanced picture of the contrasting mechanisms that transmit the impact of entrepreneurial leadership on employee innovative behavior.
31 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a logistic regression model based on a synthetic counterfactual approach was used to model the probability that a collaborative link will be established with one university and not others.
Abstract: Purpose
Despite typically being regarded as ‘low-tech,’ the Food Manufacturing and Technology Sector is increasingly turning to open innovation practices involving collaboration with universities in order to innovate. Given the broad range of activities undertaken by this sector and the fact that it utilises analytical, synthetic, and symbolic knowledge for innovation, it makes an interesting case study on the factors that influence the formation of University-Industry links.
Design/methodology/approach
Using data from 249 collaborative projects that occurred between UK universities and food manufacturing and technology firms, the analysis utilises a logistic regression model based on a ‘synthetic counterfactual approach’ to modelling the probability a collaborative link will be established with one university and not others.
Findings
The results suggest that organisational proximity, conceptualised through the presence of prior ties between actors, have the largest influence on the formation of U-I links. In addition, spatial and technological proximity between actors also have a positive influence on link formation. This result suggests that the specificity of knowledge to the food sector is important in the formation of these U-I links.
Research limitations/implications
2
The results suggest that the open innovation practices of food manufacturing and technology firms are like other sectors, even though their innovation practices are considered to be different. However, the limitations of the paper mean that these findings may be specific to firms in the food manufacturing and technology sector in the UK.
Originality/value
The food sector is under-represented in empirical studies on university collaboration; this paper addresses this and provides new insights into the formation of these links.
30 citations
TL;DR: Li et al. as discussed by the authors investigated the impact of financial leverage on corporate innovation in Chinese non-financial public firms listed on Shenzhen and Shanghai stock exchanges, and found that financial leverage is detrimental to the input innovation while conducive for the output innovation when measured by the number of patents.
Abstract: PurposeThis study attempts to document the impact of financial leverage on corporate innovation in the Chinese nonfinancial public firms listed on Shenzhen and Shanghai stock exchanges.Design/methodology/approachThe firm-level data are collected from CSMAR database for ten years, ranging from 2007 to 2016. The authors have employed the panel fixed effects model and further system GMM approach for analysis. The sample is segregated on the basis of state (SOE) and nonstate ownership (NSOE) to check for the diverse effects. In total, three different proxies of financial leverage are used to unearth the varying impact of short-time and long-term leverage separately. Further, corporate innovation is divided into input innovation (R&D/Sales and R&D/Assets) and output innovation (patents and inventions).FindingsThe results suggest that financial leverage is detrimental to the input innovation while conducive for the output innovation when measured by the number of patents. Contrarily, leverage has a negative influence over the output innovation when measured by the number of inventions. This implies that leverage is more damaging for the highest form of innovativeness (inventions) in China. Input innovation is more sensitive to the changes in long-term leverage versus short-term leverage. Further, the authors find that innovation in SOEs is more sensitive to the changes in the leverage as compared to the NSOEs. The results are free from the threat of endogeneity and identification problems, as reported by the system GMM model.Research limitations/implicationsThe authors did not segregate the sample on the basis of industry/sector.Practical implicationsThe firms pursuing a strategy of radical innovation should try to keep their debt levels lower in order to achieve a higher innovation performance. Although, a rise in the leverage may mean an increased access to finance for a firm but such an access comes at a cost in the form of damage to the corporate innovation. However, increased debt financing may not be so bad for the firms that want to achieve a moderate and not the highest level of innovation. Such firms can produce recurring and synergic effects with debt financing and moderate innovation, once they achieve a level of innovation performance that satisfies their financiers.Originality/valueTo the best of authors’ knowledge, this is probably the first study to check the impact of firm-level financial leverage on both input and output innovation in the Chinese public-listed nonfinancial firms' panel data perspective till now.
25 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors explored the ways through which entrepreneurial leadership practices of chief executive officers (CEOs) enhance their employees' innovation at workplace in knowledge-based firms and found that CEOs' entrepreneurial leadership improves their employees" innovation work behavior through enhancing their individual and team creativity self-efficacy.
Abstract: PurposeThis paper explored the ways through which entrepreneurial leadership practices of chief executive officers (CEOs) enhance their employees' innovation at workplace in knowledge-based firms. Building on social cognitive theory and resource-based view of firms, this paper argues that entrepreneurial leadership fosters employees' innovation work behavior by enhancing their individual and team creativity self-efficacy.Design/methodology/approachThe sample was selected from knowledge-based firms in Iran using the simple random sampling method. Two mediation models were tested using data from 41 CEOs and 207 employees in two separate phases.FindingsThe analysis supported that CEOs' entrepreneurial leadership improves their employees' innovation work behavior through enhancing their individual and team creativity self-efficacy.Originality/valueThe research contributes motivational and enabling mechanisms at both individual and team levels that entrepreneurial leaders use to improve employees' innovation work behavior in the context of knowledge-based firms. The findings may assist managers and business leaders in effectively leading innovation process.
24 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors focus on the important concern that how social capital (SC) influences business model innovation (BMI) in the course of the mediating role of organizational learning capabilities (OLC) and the moderation role of entrepreneurial orientation (EO).
Abstract: This research aims to concentrate on the important concern that how social capital (SC) influences business model innovation (BMI) in the course of the mediating role of organizational learning capabilities (OLC) and the moderating role of entrepreneurial orientation (EO). In the context of small and medium enterprises (SMEs), this study empirically tested a theoretical model of BMI to advocate a mechanism for the analysis of its significant determinants.,In order to achieve the objective of the research, survey method was utilized, and data were collected from 521 CEOs, MDs and the owners of ICT sector SMEs. Correlation, causal step approach and regression analysis were used to test the proposed model.,Finding of the research advocates that OLC mediate the relationship between SC and BMI. In addition, stronger EO augments the association between OLC and BMI.,The study adds to the literature by providing insights regarding the impact of SC, OLC and EO on BMI of small firms.,This research enriches the existing knowledge by testing a mediating role of OLC between SC-BMI link and, therefore, makes an important addition to the existing knowledge in the context of SMEs by concentrating on the relationship between SC, OLC, BMI and EO.
19 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a two-source survey with coworker dyads from multiple organizations in China was used to examine how temporal leadership relates to employee innovative job performance through pro-social rule breaking for efficiency (PSRB_E) and vigor.
Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to examine how temporal leadership relates to employee innovative job performance through pro-social rule breaking for efficiency (PSRB_E) and vigor. As such, it draws from both motivational and affective perspectives to investigate the way in which leaders manage employees' time to boost employee innovation at work.,This study adopts a two-source survey with coworker dyads from multiple organizations in China. Two hundred and three focal employees rated temporal leadership, time pressure and vigor. Each focal employee was rated by a coworker on PSRB_E and innovative job performance. Structural equation modeling (SEM) and bootstrapping techniques are used to examine the hypothesized relationships with the R package for latent variable analysis (i.e. lavaan).,The results suggest that temporal leadership positively relates to employees' innovative job performance through the mediations of their PRSB_E and vigor, respectively.,This study is one of the first that sought to understand the effect of temporal leadership on employee innovative job performance. It also casts light upon the motivational and affective mechanisms underlying such a linkage.
19 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors identify whether in times of crisis the development of frugal innovation in emerging markets depends on the bricolage capability and propose a set of managerial recommendations based on bricolages.
Abstract: PurposeThis research aims to answer the following question: Could bricolage become a capability for companies in emerging markets to develop frugal innovations in times of crisis? Therefore, in this paper the main aim is to identify whether in times of crisis the development of frugal innovation in emerging markets depends on the bricolage capability.Design/methodology/approachThe hypotheses were statistically tested using the structural equation modeling technique, with data collected through the survey method applied to 215 companies in Brazil.FindingsThe results allowed support for the hypothesis that bricolage capability has a positive impact on the development of frugal innovation. Therefore, a mediating test was verified, allowing confirmation that to develop frugal innovation in emerging markets, bricolage becomes a required capability for companies in times of crisis.Research limitations/implicationsThe limitation of this study lies in considering the effect of bricolage on frugal innovation only in the context of Brazil, while in developed countries this effect may be similar, as they also suffer from resource constraints caused by crises.Practical implicationsThis research provides insights to guide managers by highlighting bricolage as a key managerial capability for the development of frugal innovation. A set of managerial recommendations are provided based on bricolage skills.Originality/valueThe study has contributed to the literature on bricolage and frugal innovation by addressing bricolage as an antecedent of frugal innovation in emerging markets, especially when those markets are affected by resource scarcity.
18 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors analyzed the effect of financial constraints on firms' R&D investment and found that firms that suffer from financial constraints invest less in research projects than those that do not suffer financial constraints.
Abstract: PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyse whether the effect of innovation subsidies on firms' R&D investment varies depending on whether the firm is suffering from financial constraints.Design/methodology/approachTo address this analysis, the authors provide a theoretical model and test their hypothesis using an econometric analysis of an unbalanced panel of 3,865 innovative Spanish firms during 2010–2017. They employ the SABI database to obtain firms' financial and economic data and incorporate firms' MORE financial rating. Specifically, the authors use the GMM-SYS technique to regress and measure the marginal effects of innovation subsidies size on firms' R&D investment and the influence of firms' financial constraints.FindingsThe results of this work indicate that financial constraints negatively moderate the effect of subsidies on R&D investment; that is, those firms that receive a subsidy and suffer financial constraints invest less in R&D projects than those which also receive the subsidy and do not suffer financial constraints. Besides, this work found that innovation subsidies alone do not significantly increase firms' R&D investment.Originality/valueFrom a neoclassical point of view, the existence of financial constraints is the justification of public innovation policies. However, due to the difficulty of measuring financial constraints, innovation literature has abandoned the analysis of this crucial variable. This work reintroduces this vital variable and analyses how it interacts with innovation subsidies on firms' R&D investment.
16 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the mediating role of resilience in the relationship between employee polychronicity and employee creativity was explored. And the finding indicated that employee resilience acts as a mediator in the relationships between employee Polychronicities and employee Creativity.
Abstract: PurposeThis study aims to investigate the relationship between employee polychronicity and employee creativity. This study also explores the mediating role of employee resilience in the relationship between employee polychronicity and employee creativity.Design/methodology/approachThis study was based on a quantitative research design, and a survey instrument was used to collect data from doctors and nurses. Ordinary least squares (OLS) regression and four-step Baron and Kenney (1986) approaches were used to check the impact of nurses’ polychronicity on creativity through resilience.FindingsResults proved that employee polychronicity positively influences employee creativity. The finding indicates that employee resilience acts as a mediator in the relationship between employee polychronicity and employee creativity.Originality/valueThe worth of this study rests on the deeper understanding of the employee polychronicity–employee creativity link in the health-care sector. Moreover, by bringing to the fore employee resilience as a mediator of the polychronicity–creativity relationship, this study provided a new vantage point to explore the intricacies concerned with the relationships between polychronicity, resilience and creativity.
13 citations
TL;DR: This paper proposes an extended version of the digital innovation process that is more specifically suited for DDI, and provides an early explanation to the variation in DDI process complexities by highlighting the different modes of DDI processes.
Abstract: Within digital innovation, there are two significant consequences of the pervasiveness of digital technology: (1) the increasing connectivity is enabling a wider reach and scope of innovation structures, such as innovation networks and (2) the unprecedented availability of digital data is creating new opportunities for innovation. Accordingly, there is a growing domain for studying data-driven innovation (DDI), especially in contemporary contexts of innovation networks. The purpose of this study is to explore how DDI processes take form in a specific type of innovation networks, namely federated networks.,A multiple case study design is applied in this paper. We draw our analysis from data collected over six months from four cases of DDI. The within-analysis is aimed at constructing the DDI process instance in each case, while the crosscase analysis focuses on pattern matching and cross-case synthesis of common and unique characteristics in the constructed processes.,Evidence from the crosscase analysis suggests that the widely accepted four-phase digital innovation process (including discovery, development, diffusion and post-diffusion) does not account for the explorative nature of data analytics and DDI. We propose an extended process comprising an explicit exploration phase before development, where refinement of the innovation concept and exploring social relationships are essential. Our analysis also suggests two modes of DDI: (1) asynchronous, i.e. data acquired before development and (2) synchronous, i.e. data acquired after (or during) development. We discuss the implications of these modes on the DDI process and the participants in the innovation network.,The paper proposes an extended version of the digital innovation process that is more specifically suited for DDI. We also provide an early explanation to the variation in DDI process complexities by highlighting the different modes of DDI processes. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first empirical investigation of DDI following the process from early stages of discovery till postdiffusion.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors conducted an exploratory case study analysis in the Biopharma innovation ecosystem in Greater Boston Area (USA), which is one of the oldest and most successful IE in the US, specialized in the biopharma domain, by conducting a round of expert interviews with key informants in the area, chosen as representatives of the different types of actors engaged in the drug development processes at different stages.
Abstract: Purpose – The paper aims to explore the nature of initiatives and strategies of inter-organizational cooperation to cross the valley of death in the biopharma industry. Design/methodology/approach – The authors conducted an exploratory case study analysis in the Biopharma Innovation Ecosystem in Greater Boston Area (USA), which is one of the oldest, and most successful IE in the US, specialized in the Biopharma domain, by conducting a round of expert interviews with key informants in the area, chosen as representatives of the different types of actors engaged in the drug development processes at different stages. Findings –Main findings suggest that cooperation can contribute to surviving the valley of death by reducing the barriers within the drug development pipeline through the promotion of strategic relationships among actors of different nature, including the establishment of government-led thematic associations or consortia, agreements between university and business support structures, proximity to venture capitalist and the promotion of a general culture of academic entrepreneurship within universities. Originality/value – The authors believe that this paper contributes to the literature by shedding light on the nature of the specific cooperative initiative the barriers in drug development and help to survive the valley of the death.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors analyze the joint effects of industry structure and country characteristics on innovation effort while controlling for firm resources, and suggest that the effect of some institutional factors may be modified by competitive pressure on firms' innovation effort.
Abstract: PurposeThe purpose of the paper is to study the determinants of firms' innovation effort using the main approaches in strategic management. The authors specifically analyze the joint effects of industry structure and country characteristics on innovation effort while controlling for firm resources.Design/methodology/approachThe hypotheses proposed are tested using a data set that includes firms registered in the EU Industrial R&D Investment (IRI) Scoreboard (European Commission, 2011). Specifically, the authors designed and applied a Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) method to perform an empirical analysis using a panel of 1,211 innovative firms in 55 industries and 26 countries between 2004 and 2012.FindingsCountry factors have significant effects on innovation effort. Results also indicate that the moderating and complementary effects of industry and country factors depend on the geographical area.Practical implicationsAlthough managers have generally tended to take into account only the firm perspective in innovation activities, this paper highlights that institutional factors are also relevant and play a key role in innovation effort. The authors provide suggestions for managers on how to ensure that their investment in innovation is efficient. They also suggest that the effect of some institutional factors may be modified by competitive pressure on firms' innovation effort.Originality/valueThe paper makes an incremental contribution to the literature on the determinants of innovation by providing a different approach to firm innovation determinants and taking into account the complementarities between institutional and industrial factors.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examined the relationship between marketing and innovation capabilities and new product development (NPD), including the potential mediating and moderating roles of innovation capability (IC) in the relationships between marketing capability (MC) and NPD.
Abstract: PurposeThe purpose of this study is to examine the relationships between marketing and innovation capabilities and new product development (NPD), including the potential mediating and moderating roles of innovation capability (IC) in the relationship between marketing capability (MC) and NPD.Design/methodology/approachData were collected from telecommunication firms operating in the Kurdistan region of Iraq using a self-administered questionnaire. Of 556 distributed questionnaires, 272 were returned and used for statistical analysis. To analyze the data, a structural equation model (SEM) was developed to test both measurement and structural models.FindingsBoth innovation capability and marketing capability positively impact NPD. Furthermore, IC not only strengthens the relationship between MC and NPD but also serves as a mechanism enabling this relationship.Originality/valueThis study offers NPD researchers a deeper understanding of the capabilities that may affect the NPD process. From a theoretical perspective, previous studies focused exclusively on IC and MC separately and thus did not capture the relationships between these antecedents and NPD. Another valuable contribution of this study to the NPD literature is the inclusion of different roles of IC within the frame of MC and NPD. For practitioners, this study outlines novel combinations of antecedents leading to better levels of NPD.
TL;DR: Wang et al. as mentioned in this paper explored the impact of different knowledge search behaviors on different types of innovation and probes the role of absorptive capacity and IT capability in mediating and moderating the above relationships.
Abstract: PurposeMore enterprises adopt open innovation by breaking technological or organizational boundaries to seek internal and external knowledge when they face a fiercely competitive environment, complex market demands, and increasingly rapid technological change. In this context, a knowledge search strategy is regarded as an effective means of obtaining inside and outside resources and an important way to break the innovation bottleneck. Moreover, information technology (IT) is deemed an important asset for sourcing knowledge, whereas absorptive capacity is seen as an indispensable ability for utilizing novel knowledge. Thus, this paper aims to test the role of knowledge search in open innovation and examine the mediating effect of absorptive capacity and the moderating effect of IT capability.Design/methodology/approachUsing a sample of 1,088 Chinese firms’ data collected by the World Bank in 2012, this paper employs logistic regression to test the hypotheses.FindingsThis study finds that local and boundary-spanning search strategies positively influence both product and process innovation, and absorptive capacity has a mediating role in the relationships between knowledge search and product and process innovation. Moreover, IT capability has a positive moderating effect on the relationship between local search and innovation performance; however, IT capability strengthens the relationship between boundary-spanning search and process innovation while weakens that between boundary-spanning search and product innovation.Originality/valueThis study explores the impact of different knowledge search behaviors on different types of innovation and probes the role of absorptive capacity and IT capability in mediating and moderating the above relationships. By drawing on knowledge-based theory and cognitive-developmental theory, this paper provides a novel perspective to explain the mechanism between knowledge search and innovation performance.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors developed a configurational model to explain how relational trust and combinative capability can jointly improve the relationship between innovativeness and firm's performance.
Abstract: PurposeThis work aims to develop a configurational model to explain how relational trust and combinative capability can jointly improve the relationship between innovativeness and firm's performance.Design/methodology/approachThe empirical study was developed on a sample of 224 companies in the footwear industry in Spain. Hierarchical regression analysis was used to test the hypotheses in order to confirm the proposed configurational model.FindingsThe partial results demonstrate the significant effect of relational trust on the innovativeness-performance relationship but, unexpectedly, reveals the non-significant effect of combinative capability on this relationship. The triple interaction effects model provides new insights into the positive effect of combinative capability on the innovativeness-performance relationship once firms gain relational trust from their contacts.Research limitations/implicationsThe cross-sectional nature of the study imposes a limitation on the results. Nevertheless, due to the detailed information required to achieve the aims of the research, a longitudinal study could be excessively complex. In any event, the cross-sectional approach of the study accomplishes the proposed aim.Practical implicationsManagers should involve the employees of the firm in order to improve the effectiveness of continuous innovation, encouraging them to establish trusting relationships with external agents and contributing to combine the relevant external knowledge with the individual and collective knowledge available in the firm.Originality/valueThis work contributes to the existing literature with a more complete picture of the influence of innovativeness on firms' performance, highlighting that performance is affected by the coherence of the configuration of innovativeness, relational trust and combination capability.
TL;DR: In this paper, the impact of the egocentric alliance network on firm ambidextrous innovation holistically is analyzed by integrating structural holes (SH), functional diversity (AFD), and alliance partner geographical diversity (APGD) from structural, relational and nodal perspectives.
Abstract: PurposeThe purpose of the paper is to advance a framework that can analyze the impact of the egocentric alliance network on firm ambidextrous innovation holistically. On this purpose, the framework involves and integrates structural holes (SH), alliance functional diversity (AFD) and alliance partner geographical diversity (APGD) that measure network characteristics from structural, relational and nodal perspectives, respectively.Design/methodology/approachThe authors collected multi-source matching panel data including alliance deals, technical patents and financial information during 2000–2017 of the 106 top high-tech firms in the computer, communications, electronics and biopharmaceutical industries and conducted a three-way interaction model to uncover the complex mechanisms from a contingency perspective.FindingsEmpirical results show that SH as structural capital is positive to both exploitative and exploratory innovation. Both AFD as relational capital and APGD as cognitive capital positively moderate the SH-exploitative innovation nexus rather than the SH-exploratory innovation nexus. APGD and AFD co-moderate the relationship between SH and firm ambidextrous innovation in the way that when APGD and AFD are both high, SH has the strongest positive impacts on firm exploitative and exploratory innovation.Originality/valueThis research provides new insights into the benefit-cost paradox of the structural brokerage position (SH) by uncovering relational (AFD) and nodal (APGD) network characteristics that impact the trade-off. Also, it contributes to social capital theory by differentiating three dimensions of network capital (structural, relational and cognitive capital) and integrating them into ambidextrous innovation research. Finally, the findings give firms enlightenment to configure their egocentric alliance network for innovation ambidexterity.
TL;DR: In this paper, the effectiveness of a new T-shaped doctoral model was explored, testing it on a sample of STEM PhD students at Polytechnic School of University of Naples Federico II, using a qualitative-quantitative approach.
Abstract: PurposeOver the last decades, the importance of entrepreneurial education (EE) for the personal development of young generations has gained momentum among policymakers, practitioners and scholars. This paper offers some insights into the way T-shaped PhD programs can trigger transdisciplinary abilities of STEM students, making them even more ready toward venturing activities.Design/methodology/approachTo achieve the purpose of the study, the effectiveness of a new T-shaped doctoral model was explored, testing it on a sample of STEM PhD students at Polytechnic School of University of Naples Federico II, using a qualitative-quantitative approach.FindingsThe results prove the positive influence that the T-shaped PhD program has on students in terms of vertical skills and horizontal capabilities attainment for entrepreneurial readiness.Practical implicationsThis study advances interesting managerial and policy implications for activating virtuous collaborations to better respond to the need of current socioeconomic scenarios through academic knowledge.Originality/valueDespite the growing relevance of EE, research about its influence at PhD level and the effect of different pedagogical methods remains scarce and controversial. Thus, this research explores if EE can support PhD students in science and technology transdisciplinarity terms of innovation management.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors investigated the direct impact of knowledge sharing and functional flexibility on innovative work behavior (IWB) of small medium enterprises (SMEs) employees, and observed the mediating role of FF in the connection between KS and IWB.
Abstract: PurposeThis study aims to investigate the direct impact of knowledge sharing (KS) and functional flexibility (FF) on innovative work behavior (IWB) of small medium enterprises (SME’s) employees. This study also observes the mediating role of FF in the connection between KS and IWB.Design/methodology/approachThis study adapted a quantitative methodology and used the cross-sectional data. Data were collected from the 751 workers of SMEs to validate the mediation model.FindingsResults reveal that KS and FF significantly affect IWB in SME’s workers. The findings also reveal that FF acts as a mediator between KS and IWB link.Originality/valueThe live experience of currently working employees shows that IWB is dependent of employees' KS and FF. Moreover, this study contributed to the streams of knowledge management and organizational innovation perspective by emphasizing upon the mediating mechanism of FF.
TL;DR: In this article, a paradox logic is proposed to open EI strategy to a both-and perspective, with the purpose of making EI goals concretely feasible and integrated into a holistic view, and paradoxical resolution denotes purposeful iterations between alternatives to ensure simultaneous attention to them over time.
Abstract: This study aims to investigate the hybrid nature and scope of environmental innovation (EI) by assuming a paradox perspective and developing it empirically Specifically, the authors raise the questions of how the opposite elements of EI characteristics can be arranged and combined to generate benefits for companies and markets,A fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) is conducted to analyse European companies operating in telecommunications and in information and communication technology (ICT) This method helps us interpret the complexity occurring in the real world, in which the contribution of a specific attribute to the outcome might change according to other interacting and concurring aspects,By recognising the conflicting aspects inherent to the complexity of EI, this study addresses how these tensions can be embraced Specifically, the paradox logic is proposed to open EI strategy to a “both-and” perspective, with the purpose of making EI goals concretely feasible and integrated into a holistic view,Paradoxical resolution denotes purposeful iterations between alternatives to ensure simultaneous attention to them over time A paradox logic can support managers in making the EI strategy more workable and reconciling the extremes as well as possible,This study unpacks the multiple enactments of EI by exploring the factors enabling integrated EI benefits By adopting a paradox approach, the EI strategy may be interpreted in a “both-and” perspective, allowing firms to concretely achieve integrated EI benefits
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examined the relationship of entrepreneurial orientation (EO), new product development (NPD), legitimacy (political and market) and firm performance in high-tech small and medium-size enterprises.
Abstract: This paper examines the relationship of entrepreneurial orientation (EO), new product development (NPD), legitimacy (political and market) and firm performance (FP). The authors investigate how and when EO improves FP in high-tech small and medium-size enterprises (SMEs).,The paper formulates 5 hypotheses from literature review and theoretical deduction. The hypotheses are tested using ordinary least squares (OLS) regression with data collected from 219 randomly selected SMEs operating in high-tech industries of China.,The findings show that the mechanism of EO improve FP in high-tech SMEs by considering NPD as a mediator and legitimacy as moderators: (1) NPD plays a mediating role in the relationship between EO and FP, (2) market legitimacy (ML) positively moderating the effect of EO on FP and (3) both political legitimacy (PL) and ML positively moderating the effect of NPD on FP.,For the limitations, the firms the authors’ surveyed are SMEs that are not listed companies, which cause some limitations. For the implications, the authors propose some recommendations based on the findings to help Chinese SMEs to enhance performance.,The existing research on EO–FP linkage remains elusive findings. The paper reconciled the inconsistency by providing a nuanced mechanism of how EO promotes FP in high-tech SMEs of Chinese transition economy. By explain the important role of NPD in high-tech SMEs, the findings shed light on the mediators between EO and FP and the moderators. By emphasize the different role of ML and PL in determining EO–FP and NPD–FP linkages, the findings illustrate the peculiarity of contingency factors in a transition economy.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors introduce the activity theory as a theoretical framework for conceptualizing and studying innovation ecosystems and investigate elements that affect the success and viability of innovation ecosystems formed between startups and incumbent firms, collaborating with an established firm within the context of an open innovation program.
Abstract: Discussion regarding systems that promote innovation, aptly named innovation ecosystems, has been intensifying both in academia and business. The purpose of this paper is to introduce the activity theory as a theoretical framework for conceptualising and studying innovation ecosystems. Using the activity theory, it investigates elements that affect the success and viability of innovation ecosystems formed between startups and incumbent firms, collaborating with an established firm within the context of an open innovation programme.,This study uses an exploratory case research approach and proposes the activity theory as a theoretical background to be used in innovation ecosystem research. Based on this approach, this study draws from interviews and research observations in an innovation ecosystem formed between an established firm and various startups that aim to co-develop innovative offerings.,By applying the activity theory tools, this study identifies several contradictions between interacting actors of this innovation ecosystem that can adversely affect the innovation process. Furthermore, it proposes the use of the activity theory as a fitting theoretical lens to study innovation ecosystems.,The novelty of this study is related to the focus on the incumbent–startup context for extending the innovation ecosystem literature. Using the activity theory as a viable methodological tool allows us to conceptualise firms as social constructs and hence pinpoint inner characteristics that can affect and shape their interactions and the broader ecosystem. This process is further enhanced by the use of primary data that give unique insights into the inner workings of innovation ecosystems by identifying underlying contradictions.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors investigated the role of employees' distributed leadership agency (DLA) in hospital employee-driven innovation and found an indirect relationship between job autonomy and trust in management via DLA, and with idea generation, promotion and implementation.
Abstract: PurposeEmployees constitute an important source of innovation in organizations. Innovation management strategies often include attempts of stimulating employees' innovative contribution by instilling managerial trust and granting job autonomy. However, the authors suggest and investigate the role of employees' distributed leadership agency (DLA) in hospital employee-driven innovation.Design/methodology/approachThe authors tested the hypotheses using survey data from 1,536 nonmanagerial employees at a hospital in Denmark. In order to deal with a methodological risk of survey designs, the authors assessed and adjusted the results for common method variance (CMV).FindingsThe authors validated a DLA measurement instrument and found an indirect relationship between job autonomy and trust in management on the one hand, via DLA, and with idea generation, promotion and implementation on the other hand. In addition, the results showed a small direct relationship between job autonomy and the three innovative behaviors. The results showed that CMV did bias relationships and reliabilities but only little.Practical implicationsThe study introduces distributed leadership to the field of innovation management and confirms that this concept is highly relevant for employee innovation. In order to strengthen an organization's innovative potential, leaders may not only need to grant autonomy and instill trust in their employees, but also gain from employee innovation by distributing leadership tasks to employees.Originality/valueThis study is one of the first to introduce distributed leadership to the field of employee innovation management. By identifying distributed leadership as a key variable, the findings add to one’s extant understanding of how employee involvement encourages employee innovation.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors explored the link between the level of importance managers assign to competitive pressures from domestic competition, foreign competition and customers as factors in the key business decisions related to innovation and the outcome of firms' product innovation efforts.
Abstract: PurposeThis study explores the link between the level of importance managers assign to competitive pressures from domestic competition, foreign competition and customers as factors in the key business decisions related to innovation and the outcome of firms' product innovation efforts.Design/methodology/approachThe research sample is taken from the Business Environment and Enterprise Performance Survey by World Bank (2005). The relevant questions for the study were extracted from the survey. Logistic regression models were used for analysis using the ISLR library fromRstatistical software.FindingsManagers' consideration of customer pressure for innovation as important in key business decisions related to innovation has a positive and sustainable effect, distinct from that of R&D and other innovative activities, on firms' success of product innovation efforts.Research limitations/implicationsThe research acknowledges the need to verify the findings in a multicountry setting.Practical implicationsThis research can help mediate the managers' assignment of importance to certain types of competition for innovation decisions in multicompetitive environment for improved success of product innovation efforts.Originality/valueSimultaneous consideration of multiple competitive pressures by managers helps to identify the most suitable innovation activities for their respective firms and improve the chances of success of firms' innovation efforts.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors used Group Concept Mapping (GCM), a mixed methods approach that provides a structured way to map the "conceptual domain" of a topic from the perspectives of those with close knowledge of it.
Abstract: PurposeRecently, social innovation (SI) has captured the imagination of a range of actors globally, including in the higher education (HE) sector. This study explores the conceptual domain of SI leadership in HE. Drawing on the insights of 22 experienced practitioners in Canada, it provides a concept map to help guide leadership practice and research.Design/methodology/approachThe study adopted Group Concept Mapping (GCM), a mixed methods approach that provides a structured way to map the “conceptual domain” of a topic from the perspectives of those with close knowledge of it. Using online GCM software, one group of participants generated statements in response to a prompting question about SI leadership. Another group sorted statements into conceptual groups, rating them for importance. The authors then produced a preliminary map using cluster analysis. A third group interpreted that map. The authors analyzed interpretation data to produce a final concept map, which is discussed in light of relevant literature.FindingsGCM methodology resulted in 108 statements about SI leadership, with the vast majority ranked as highly important. The analysis produced a map consisting of nine “clusters” of conceptually related ideas about SI leadership, encapsulated under three interacting areas of focus: individual, relational, institutional/system. Participants confirmed the map reflected key dimensions of practice, noting it indicated important tensions and paradoxes core to their practice. Their interpretations highlighted how the map represented iterative dynamics of leadership over time and across levels; and how different theoretical and practice traditions in SI communities affect conceptualizations of leadership.Research limitations/implicationsThe study suggests that an area ripe for study is the navigation of micro-level systems in pursuit of meso-level and macro-level systems change. The map provides an empirically derived set of dimensions for instrument development in future SI leadership studies. The context of conventional academic institutions bounds the results but helps to surface key considerations for researching SI processes in other mature institutions. Comparison of findings with extant leadership theories suggests that, to advance theoretical research on the topic of leadership in SI, bricolage or new theory development will be needed.Practical implicationsThe map paints broad themes with concrete, practice-level ideas. It can serve as a touchstone for reflection by experienced practitioners and offers a reference point to orient those new to leading SI.Originality/valueThe scholarly knowledge base about SI has been growing rapidly, but it is still an emerging field of study. There are only a handful of published studies offering perspectives on SI in HE, and none with respect to SI leadership in HE. This study offers original conceptual insights grounded in empirical data gathered through a method aligned with its exploratory purpose.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors investigate the performance effects of pure innovation strategies versus the combination of the two innovation strategies (combination innovation strategy) and to determine whether implementing the combination innovation strategy produces an incremental performance benefit over the pure innovation strategy.
Abstract: Purpose: The purpose of this study is to investigate the performance effects of pure innovation strategies (creative and imitative) versus the combination of the two innovation strategies (combination innovation strategy) and to determine whether implementing the combination innovation strategy produces an incremental performance benefit over the pure innovation strategies. Design/methodology/approach: We used archival data from the Korea Innovation Survey (KIS) completed by a large sample of South Korea manufacturing firms and some financial data provided by the South Korea Science and Technology Policy Institute (STEPI). We used hierarchical multiple regression analysis to analyze the data from 486 firms. Findings: The findings indicated that firms implementing any of the three innovation strategies of creative innovation, imitative innovation and combination innovation outperforms noninnovators. Results also show that while firms implementing the combination innovation strategy perform better than those implementing imitative innovation strategies, they do not significantly differ in performance from firms implementing the creative innovation strategy. Moreover, we find no performance difference between creative innovation and imitative innovation strategies. Practical implications: The study highlights the importance of combination innovation strategies for manufacturing firms that rely on imitative innovation strategies to gain competitive advantage in the market. However, it demonstrates that firms that are successful in using creative innovation strategies must use their resources in exploiting that advantage. Originality/value: Although extant studies have demonstrated the importance of both creative innovation and imitative innovation strategies in enhancing performance, it is not clear whether implementing both strategies at the same time has incremental value for firms. This study focusses on empirically examining the performance implications of creative innovation and imitative innovation strategies, and whether the pursuit of a combination innovation strategy (simultaneous pursuit of both innovation strategies) provides any incremental benefit is unique.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors analyzed the relationship between entry order and customer evaluations, which, depicting the performance of the firm's products in the market, are used as a proxy for firm performance.
Abstract: PurposeIn addition to pioneering, empirical work on entry order increasingly addresses fast followers and laggards and the potential advantages they are able to capture. There is also a growing consensus in the academia, that current measures of firm performance used in the entry order literature to study these advantages are inadequate. This study analyzes the relationship between entry order and customer evaluations, which, depicting the performance of the firm's products in the market, are used as a proxy for firm performance.Design/methodology/approachThe study is set in the digital camera industry, analyzing entries into each new technology level, in terms of the sensor resolution of compact and bridge cameras. The complete dataset consisted of 1,816 digital camera models introduced between January 1996 and December 2017. The data are analyzed using hierarchical multiple linear regression.FindingsThe study finds evidence of early-mover advantage for the compact product category. In the compact camera consumer market, both first-movers and fast followers outperform late movers. Furthermore, the difference in performance in comparison to laggards is greater for first-movers than for fast followers. However, in the bridge category which consists of a more heterogeneous set of products, no significant entry-order effects are detected.Originality/valueThe results clearly indicate that there exists an early mover advantage. Furthermore, the results are not consistent across different product categories within an industry; hence, caution needs to be exercised when analyzing industry dynamics and entry order effects. Finally, our novel conceptualization of firm performance measured as online customer evaluation add new opportunities to investigate firm success
TL;DR: Zhang et al. as mentioned in this paper explored how geographic agglomeration affects the graduation performance of the incubator community and showed that increasing the community density can improve the opportunities for mutualism and learning among incubators, however, as competition intensifies, the above positive relationship will weaken when the density exceeds a certain level.
Abstract: PurposeThis paper attempts to use agglomeration theory and ecological theory to explore how geographic agglomeration affects the graduation performance of incubator community. The authors argue that increasing the incubator community density can improve the opportunities for mutualism and learning among incubators. However, as the competition intensifies, the above positive relationship will weaken when the incubator density exceeds a certain level.Design/methodology/approachThe authors use a unique panel dataset of 438 National Technology Business Incubators (NTBIs) in China spanning from 2008 to 2012. Since each NTBIs contains multiple observations for different years, these observations that belong to a cross-section are not completely independent of each other; therefore, the regression using ordinary least squares method underestimates the standard deviations of the variables. To solve this problem, the authors regress this cluster panel data using the Newey–West robust variance estimator.FindingsThe empirical results show that incubator community density is conducive to promoting incubation performance, while the positive relationship between the incubator community density and incubation performance gradually weakens as the population density of incubators surpasses a certain level. Further, the authors examine how incubator assistance (technical assistance and business assistance) moderates the relationship between incubator density and incubation performance. The results indicate that this positive relationship is stronger when more business assistance is provided by incubator managers, while the moderating role of technical assistance is not supported.Originality/valueThis paper enriches the research on the relationship between incubator community density and graduation performance from the perspective of incubator assistance which helps start-ups to understand, absorb and transform external knowledge and resources, thereby promoting their growth.