395
Views
7
CrossRef citations to date
0
Altmetric
Articles

Does formal knowledge search depth benefit Chinese firms’ innovation performance? Effects of network centrality, structural holes, and knowledge tacitness

ORCID Icon & ORCID Icon

References

  • Ahuja, G. (2000), ‘Collaboration networks, structural holes and innovation: a longitudinal study’, Administrative Science Quarterly, 45(3), 425–455. doi: 10.2307/2667105
  • Aschoff, B., and Sofka, W. (2009), ‘Innovation on demand—Can public procurement drive market success of innovations?’, Research Policy, 38(3), 1235–1247. doi: 10.1016/j.respol.2009.06.011
  • Bell, G.G. (2005), ‘Research notes and commentaries clusters, networks, and firm innovativeness’, Strategic Management Journal, 26, 287–295. doi: 10.1002/smj.448
  • Burt, R. (1992), Structural Holes, Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press.
  • Chen, J., Chen, Y.F., and Vanhaverbeke, W. (2011), ‘The influence of scope, depth, and orientation of external technology sources on the innovative performance of Chinese firms’, Technovation, 31, 362–373. doi: 10.1016/j.technovation.2011.03.002
  • Chesbrough, H.W. (2003), Open Innovation: The New Imperative for Creating and Profiting from Technology, Boston, MA: Harvard Business Press.
  • Chiang, Y.H., and Hung, K.P. (2010), ‘Exploring open search strategies and perceived innovation performance from the perspective of inter-organizational knowledge flows’, R&D Management, 40(3), 292–299.
  • Cohen, W.M., and Levinthal, D.A. (1990), ‘Absorptive capacity: a new perspective of learning and innovation’, Administrative Science Quarterly, 35(1), 128–152. doi: 10.2307/2393553
  • Dang, X.H., and Sun, Y.L. (2013), ‘Impact of technological innovation network position on network routines: taking inter-organizational trust as a mediative variable’, Science Research Management, 34(4), 1–8.
  • Ferreras-Méndeza, J.L., Newell, S., Fernández-Mesaa, A., and Alegrea, J. (2015), ‘Depth and breadth of external knowledge search and performance: the mediating role of absorptive capacity’, Industrial Marketing Management, 47, 86–97. doi: 10.1016/j.indmarman.2015.02.038
  • Fey, C., and Birkinshaw, J. (2005), ‘External sources of knowledge, governance mode and R&D performance’, Journal of Management, 31(4), 597–621. doi: 10.1177/0149206304272346
  • Gnyawali, D., and Madhavan, R. (2001), ‘Cooperative networks and competitive dynamics: a structural embeddedness perspective’, Academy of Management Review, 26(3), 431–445.
  • Guo, B., and Guo, J.J. (2011), ‘Patterns of technological learning within the knowledge systems of industrial clusters in emerging economies: evidence from China’, Technovation, 31, 87–104. doi: 10.1016/j.technovation.2010.10.006
  • Guo, J.J., and Guo, B. (2013), ‘Influencing mechanism of knowledge attributes on industrial cluster firms’ technological learning strategy’, Science Research Management, 34(12), 17–25.
  • Guo, B., Wang, Y.Q., Xie, X.Y., and Shou, Y.Y. (2015), ‘Search more deeply or search more broadly? An empirical study of external knowledge search strategy in manufacturing SMEs’, Asian Journal of Technology Innovation, 23(1), 87–106. doi: 10.1080/19761597.2015.1019177
  • Hansen, M.T. (1999), ‘The search-transfer problem: the role of weak ties in sharing knowledge across organization subunits’, Administrative Science Quarterly, 44(1), 82–112. doi: 10.2307/2667032
  • Huber, F. (2013), ‘Knowledge-sourcing of R&D workers in different job positions: contextualizing external personal knowledge networks’, Research Policy, 42, 167–179. doi: 10.1016/j.respol.2012.05.010
  • Ihi, C., and Wagner, P. (2012), ‘Organizing for open innovation – aligning internal structure and external knowledge sourcing’, Paper to be presented at the DRUID on June 19 to June 21 at CBS, Copenhagen, Denmark.
  • Inkpen, A.C., and Tsang, E. (2005), ‘Social capital, networks, and knowledge transfer.’, Academy of Management Review, 30(1), 146–165. doi: 10.5465/AMR.2005.15281445
  • Kang, K.H., and Kang, J. (2009), ‘How do firms source external knowledge for innovation? Analyzing effects of different knowledge sourcing methods’, International Journal of Innovation Management, 13(1), 1–17. doi: 10.1142/S1363919609002194
  • Kang, K.H., Jo, G.S., and Kang, J. (2015), ‘External technology acquisition: a double-edged sword’, Asian Journal of Technology Innovation, 23(1), 35–52. doi: 10.1080/19761597.2015.1010265
  • Katila, R., and Ahuja, G. (2002), ‘Something old, something new: a longitudinal study of search behavior and new product introduction’, Academy of Management Journal, 45 (8), 1183–1194. doi: 10.2307/3069433
  • Lai, H.C., and Weng, C.S. (2013), ‘Do technology alliances benefit technological diversification? The effects of technological knowledge distance, network centrality and complementary assets’, Asian Journal of Technology Innovation, 21(1), 136–152. doi: 10.1080/19761597.2013.815481
  • Laursen, K. (2012), ‘Keep searching and you’ll find: what do we know about variety creation through firms’ search activities for innovation?’, Industrial and Corporate Change, 21(5), 1181–1220. doi: 10.1093/icc/dts025
  • Laursen, K., Masciarelli, F., and Prencipe, A. (2012), ‘Regions matter: how localized social capital affects innovation and external knowledge acquisition’, Organization Science, 23(1), 177–193. doi: 10.1287/orsc.1110.0650
  • Laursen, K., and Salter, A. (2006), ‘Open for innovation: the role of openness in explaining innovation performance among UK manufacturing firms’, Strategic Management Journal, 27(2), 131–150. doi: 10.1002/smj.507
  • Levin, D., and Cross, R. (2004), ‘The strength of weak ties you can trust: the mediating role of trust in effective knowledge transfer’, Management Science, 50(11), 1477–1490. doi: 10.1287/mnsc.1030.0136
  • Li, J.J., Poppo, L., and Zhou, K.Z. (2008), ‘Do managerial ties in China always produce value? Competition, uncertainty, and doemestic vs. foreign firms’, Strategic Management Journal, 29, 383–400. doi: 10.1002/smj.665
  • Li, J. J., Poppo, L., and Zhou, K.Z. (2010), ‘Relational mechanisms, formal contracts, and local knowledge acquisition by international subsidiaries’, Strategic Management Journal, 31, 349–370.
  • March, J.G. (1991), ‘Exploration and exploitation in organizational learning’, Organization Science, 2(1), 71–87. doi: 10.1287/orsc.2.1.71
  • Mina, A., Bascavusoglu-Moreau, E., and Hughes, A. (2014), ‘Open service innovation and the firm’s search for external knowledge’, Research Policy, 43(5), 853–866. doi: 10.1016/j.respol.2013.07.004
  • Nelson, P.R., and Winter, S.G. (1982), An Evolutionary Theory of Economic Change, Cambridge, MA: Belknap Press.
  • Nicholls-Nixon, C.L., and Woo, C.Y. (2003), ‘Technology sourcing and output of established firms in a regime of encompassing technological change’, Strategic Management Journal, 24, 651–666. doi: 10.1002/smj.329
  • Owen-Smith, J., and Powell, W.W. (2004), ‘Knowledge networks as channels and conduits: the effects of spillovers in the Boston Biotechnology Community’, Organization Science, 15(1), 5–21. doi: 10.1287/orsc.1030.0054
  • Phelps, C.C. (2010), ‘A longitudinal study of the influence of alliance network structure and composition on firm exploratory innovation’, Academy of Management Journal, 53(4), 890–913. doi: 10.5465/AMJ.2010.52814627
  • Phelps, C., Heidl, R., and Wadhwa, A. (2012), ‘Knowledge, networks, and knowledge networks: a review and research agenda’, Journal of Management, 38(4), 1115–1166. doi: 10.1177/0149206311432640
  • Powell, W., Koput, K., and Smith-Doerr, L. (1996), ‘Interorganizational collaboration and the locus of innovation: networks of learning in biotechnology’, Administrative Science Quarterly, 41(1), 116–146. doi: 10.2307/2393988
  • Qian, X.H., Yang, Y.F., and Xv, W.L. (2010), ‘‘Firms’ network position, absorptive capacity and innovation performance’, Management World, 5, 118–129.
  • Reagans, R., and McEvily, B. (2003), ‘Network structure and knowledge transfer: the effects of cohesion and range’, Administrative Science Quarterly, 48(2), 240–267. doi: 10.2307/3556658
  • Rowley, T., Behrens, D., and Krackhardt, D. (2000), ‘Redundant governance structures: an analysis of structural and relational embeddedness in the steel and semiconductor industries’, Strategic Management Journal, 21(3), 369–386. doi: 10.1002/(SICI)1097-0266(200003)21:3<369::AID-SMJ93>3.0.CO;2-M
  • Salavisa, I., Sousa, C., and Fontes, M. (2012), ‘Topologies of innovation networks in knowledge-intensive sectors: sectoral differences in the access to knowledge and complementary assets through formal and informal ties’, Technovation, 32(6), 380–399. doi: 10.1016/j.technovation.2012.02.003
  • Shou, Y., Chen, Y., and Feng, Y. (2013), ‘The impact of intermediaries on innovation performance at small- and medium-sized enterprises in the Yangtze River Delta’, Asian Journal of Technology Innovation, 21(S2), 20–30. doi: 10.1080/19761597.2013.819243
  • Shou, Y., Feng, Y., Zheng, J., Wang, G., and Yeboah, N.E. (2013), ‘Power source and its effect on customer–supplier relationships: an empirical study in Yangtze River Delta’, International Journal of Production Economics, 146, 118–128. doi: 10.1016/j.ijpe.2013.03.003
  • Sullivan, D.M., and Marvel, M.R. (2011), ‘Knowledge acquisition, network reliance, and early-stage technology venture outcomes’, Journal of Management Studies, 48, 1169–1193. doi: 10.1111/j.1467-6486.2010.00998.x
  • Tsai, W. (2001), ‘Knowledge transfer in intraorganizational networks: effects of network position and absorptive capacity on business unit innovation and performance’, Academy of Management Journal, 44(5), 996–1004. doi: 10.2307/3069443
  • Wang, X.J. (2009), Knowledge Network and Competitive Advantage: Empirical Study of Zhejiang Industrial Clusters, Shanghai: Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences Publishing House.
  • Wang, L.W., Ren, S.G., and Xie, E. (2011), ‘The effect of R&D collaboration on firm’s innovation performance’, Studies in Science of Science, 29(5), 787–792.
  • Xiao, D.P. (2011), A Study on Knowledge Network from the View of Social Network, Beijing: Renming Press.
  • Zaheer, A., and Bell, G.G. (2005), ‘Benefiting from network position: firm capabilities, structural holes, and performance’, Strategic Management Journal, 26(9), 809–825. doi: 10.1002/smj.482
  • Zander, U., and Kogut, B. (1995), ‘Knowledge and the speed of the transfer and imitation of organizational capabilities: an empirical test’, Organization Science, 6(1), 76–92. doi: 10.1287/orsc.6.1.76
  • Zhang, W.H., Wang, D.H., and Zhao, Y.P. (2015), ‘The effects of ties with service intermediaries on service and product innovations in Chinese manufacturing firms: the mediations of innovation search’, Asian Journal of Technology Innovation, 23(3), 335–350. doi: 10.1080/19761597.2015.1120503
  • Zhang, W.H., Zhao, Y.P., and Chen, A.L. (2014), ‘Can external R&D institutions ties facilitate enterprise innovation?—An empirical study of the mediating role of boundary–spanning search’, Studies in Science of Science, 32(2), 289–296.
  • Zhu, Y.L., Sun, Y., and Di, R.B. (2012), ‘The effect of network characteristics and knowledge tacitness on inter-enterprise knowledge transfer based on the modificatory effect of network characteristics’, Science Research Management, 33(9), 107–115.

Reprints and Corporate Permissions

Please note: Selecting permissions does not provide access to the full text of the article, please see our help page How do I view content?

To request a reprint or corporate permissions for this article, please click on the relevant link below:

Academic Permissions

Please note: Selecting permissions does not provide access to the full text of the article, please see our help page How do I view content?

Obtain permissions instantly via Rightslink by clicking on the button below:

If you are unable to obtain permissions via Rightslink, please complete and submit this Permissions form. For more information, please visit our Permissions help page.