Innovation performance of Taiwanese information firms: an acquisition–learning–innovation framework

Abstract

One of the innovation sources for firms is to acquire other technological firms. From a contingent view concerning the acquisition's impact on organisational learning, this study suggests an acquisition–learning–innovation framework which indicates the mediating role of organisational learning in the relationship between acquisitions and innovation performance. After investigating 224 information firms which undertook acquisitions, this study finds that in the period of incremental change, firms usually adopt related acquisitions and enhance their innovation through exploitation. Conversely, in the period of technological ferment, firms usually adopt unrelated acquisitions and enhance their innovation through exploration.

Keywords:

• innovation
• acquisition
• learning
• exploration
• exploitation
• technological environment