The interaction between internal R&D and different types of external knowledge sourcing: An empirical study of Chinese innovative firms
Chen, Yufen Vanhaverbeke, Wim Du, Jingshu
Chen, Yufen
Vanhaverbeke, Wim
Du, Jingshu
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Publication Type
Journal article with impact factor
Editor
Supervisor
Publication Year
2016
Journal
R & D Management
Book
Publication Volume
46
Publication Issue
53
Publication Begin page
1006
Publication End page
1023
Publication Number of pages
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Abstract
This paper investigates to what extent internal R&D efforts and different types of external knowledge sources jointly affect innovation performance of firms in emerging economies. Based on a survey about external knowledge sourcing activities of Chinese innovative firms, we categorize external knowledge sources into four groups: science-based partners, horizontal connections, value chain partners, and technology service providers. We find that both internal R&D activities and external knowledge sourcing have a positive effect on firms' innovation performance. Strong internal R&D capabilities also increase the effect of sourcing from value chain partners and horizontal connections, but we do not find support for complementarity between internal R&D and collaborations with universities and research labs. These findings jointly suggest that the mixture of different types of external knowledge partners in combination with internal R&D capabilities is crucial in understanding the role of open innovation in emerging economies.
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Keywords
Operations & Supply Chain Management