How does cooperative innovation affect innovation performance? Evidence from Chinese firms

Abstract

This paper explores the impact of different cooperation networks upon their cooperative innovation effect (CIE) and innovation performance, and examined the relationship between the CIE and the innovation performance of firms. Some interesting findings appear. First, the findings indicate that there are significant and positive relationships between the seven cooperation networks and the CIE of firms, of which the internal cooperation network has the most significant and positive impact on their CIE. Second, the findings also reveal that there are significant and positive relationships between the six cooperation networks, except firm–government cooperation (FGC) and the innovation performance of firms. Third, contrary to some studies from developed countries, the results reveal that FGC does not demonstrate any significant impact on the innovation performance of firms. These results enrich and supplement the current understanding of the relationships between cooperation networks and innovation performance.

Keywords:

• cooperative innovation
• cooperation network
• innovation performance

We would like to thank two anonymous referees for very helpful suggestions that substantially improved this article. This research was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 71002053, 71025006), and the Ministry of Education of China (Grant No. 20103108120025, 20120073110030).