Collaboration Networks, Organizations, and Innovation

A special issue of Administrative Sciences (ISSN 2076-3387).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 March 2024) | Viewed by 29160

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Division of Business Administration, ERICA Campus, Hanyang University, Ansan, Gyeonggi-do 15588, Korea
Interests: organizational learning; organizational identity; strategic alliances; business groups; foreign subsidiary management

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This special issue aims to deepen our understanding of collaboration networks, organizations, and innovation, focusing on the integrative perspectives from various levels of analysis, including the levels of groups, organizations, regions, and countries.

Continuous technological innovation is one of the main goals of firms. In particular, the intensive global competition and rapidly changing technology trends force firms to focus on innovative activities. In this situation, firms tend to choose to collaborate with external entities rather than pursue internal development as a strategic option. This is mainly because collaborations can provide potential advantages, such as access to external resources, the utilization of economies of scale and scope, synergistic effects through complementary knowledge sharing, and a reduction in risks. Interestingly, the emergence of the open innovation concept reflects recent trends focussing on innovation through collaboration. In addition, the successful achievement of the national innovation system is the result of cooperation among many organizations from industry, governments, and academia.

Collaboration has been an important topic in areas including (but not restricted to) strategic management, technology management, organizational behavior, economic development, entrepreneurship, international business, and knowledge management. This Special Issue aims to cover all aspects of collaboration networks, organizations, and innovation both academically and practically. All review, conceptual, and empirical research—both qualitative and quantitative—are welcomed.

Dr. Woojin Yoon
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • collaboration network
  • organizational Learning
  • knowledge sharing
  • knowledge transfer
  • knowledge creation
  • incremental innovation
  • radical innovation
  • absorptive capacity
  • exploitation and exploration
  • agglomeration economics
  • knowledge cluster
  • strategic alliances
  • technology management
  • national systems of innovation
  • open innovation

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Published Papers (8 papers)

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Research

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14 pages, 1626 KiB  
Article
Drivers for Clustering and Inter-Project Collaboration—A Case of Horizon Europe Projects
by Takwa Benissa and Anish Patil
Adm. Sci. 2024, 14(5), 104; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci14050104 - 17 May 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1698
Abstract
This paper investigates the drivers and dynamics of clustering and inter-project collaboration within the framework of the Horizon Europe and Horizon 2020 projects. Leveraging a survey-based approach, we examine key themes surrounding the perception of clustering, the willingness to share information under legal [...] Read more.
This paper investigates the drivers and dynamics of clustering and inter-project collaboration within the framework of the Horizon Europe and Horizon 2020 projects. Leveraging a survey-based approach, we examine key themes surrounding the perception of clustering, the willingness to share information under legal confidentiality, and motivations for engaging with partners from different projects. The survey instrument, implemented via Microsoft Forms, was distributed among the consortia of eight EU projects participating in the SOLID4B cluster. Notably, the questionnaire was meticulously crafted based on an in-depth analysis of the SOLID4B case and comprehensive discussions with project coordinators and communication and dissemination managers from all participating projects. These discussions aimed to establish a clear roadmap for the cluster, ensuring the questionnaire’s relevance and usefulness for all participants. Data analysis was conducted within the same platform, facilitating efficient data processing and visualization. Our findings reveal that a significant majority of respondents (48 out of 55) perceive clustering as a valuable asset, indicative of a positive shift in perspectives. Challenges related to confidentiality were addressed through nuanced insights, with respondents demonstrating a willingness to share routine best practices, significant breakthroughs, and deliverables within a legally protected framework. Furthermore, a robust majority (40 out of 55) expressed a keen interest in collaborative endeavors, underscoring a collective drive to extend activities beyond individual project boundaries. The study highlights the importance of clustering with other projects in maximizing the impact of the Horizon program, extending stakeholder networks, and sharing knowledge and achievements in research and innovation. These insights contribute to a deeper understanding of the motivations and challenges surrounding clustering and collaboration within the Horizon Europe and Horizon 2020 projects. Ultimately, the findings pave the way for informed strategies aimed at fostering a dynamic and interconnected research community. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Collaboration Networks, Organizations, and Innovation)
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17 pages, 641 KiB  
Article
Causes of Failure of Open Innovation Practices in Small- and Medium-Sized Enterprises
by Fernando Almeida
Adm. Sci. 2024, 14(3), 50; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci14030050 - 6 Mar 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3758
Abstract
The adoption of open innovation poses significant challenges that are important to explore. Studies in this field have mainly focused on exploring the causes of the failure of open innovation among large companies. This study addresses this research gap by employing a sample [...] Read more.
The adoption of open innovation poses significant challenges that are important to explore. Studies in this field have mainly focused on exploring the causes of the failure of open innovation among large companies. This study addresses this research gap by employing a sample of 297 Portuguese small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to explore, through a quantitative study, whether the dimensions and causes of failure differ between large organizations and SMEs. A total of seven dimensions of causes of failure are considered, including strategy-related, organizational structure, organizational culture, knowledge and intellectual property management, management skill and action, resources, and interfirm collaboration. The findings reveal significant differences in four of these seven dimensions: the main causes of failure are related to the resources and management processes of open innovation in SMEs, while large companies face more challenges in the organizational structure and culture components. This study offers theoretical insights into the gaps in the literature to better understand the challenges facing open innovation. Furthermore, this study offers practical guidelines for SMEs to identify and mitigate these main obstacles, promoting better innovation management practices. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Collaboration Networks, Organizations, and Innovation)
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27 pages, 1121 KiB  
Article
Systematic Analysis of the Factors That Impact upon the Mindset of Knowledge Sharing Behaviour (KSB) for Individuals within Academia
by Khalid Abbas, Ahmed Eltweri, Muhammad Kamran Nawaz and Zafar Ali
Adm. Sci. 2023, 13(7), 161; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci13070161 - 6 Jul 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2067
Abstract
The aim of this study is to provide an examination of the factors that have a bearing on KSB, based upon attitudes amongst academics in developing countries, using a particular focus upon academics within the University of Baghdad. With the research study, structural [...] Read more.
The aim of this study is to provide an examination of the factors that have a bearing on KSB, based upon attitudes amongst academics in developing countries, using a particular focus upon academics within the University of Baghdad. With the research study, structural equation modelling was undertaken by using a questionnaire survey for examination of attitudes to microfoundations with regard to KSB amongst a total of 326 academics based at the University of Baghdad. With regard to KSB, it was found that three of the hypothesised factors (anticipation of extrinsic rewards, anticipation of reciprocal relationships and perception of reciprocal benefits) were significantly and positively related. No significant relationship, however, was found to exist between KSB and interpersonal interactions. Based upon the results, a refined, valid model succeeds in exhibiting good explanatory power for the prediction of the intentions for the KSB of academics. Furthermore, it was suggested by the results that academics who were less educated had a greater willingness for knowledge sharing than those who were more highly educated. Based upon the unprecedented data, the paper makes a contribution to growing KSB-theory-related research, particularly with respect to the planned model of behaviour, and puts forward empirical evidence in support of the relationship between attitude and the KSB of academics. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Collaboration Networks, Organizations, and Innovation)
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19 pages, 899 KiB  
Article
Strategic Approach to Configurational Analysis of Entrepreneurial Orientation, Strategic Networking, and SME Performance within Emerging Markets of Selected Southeast European Countries
by Bojan Morić Milovanović, Mirjana Grčić Fabić and Vjekoslav Bratić
Adm. Sci. 2023, 13(2), 52; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci13020052 - 9 Feb 2023
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2346
Abstract
The beneficial relationship of entrepreneurial orientation with performance has been extensively acknowledged in the literature. However, empirical evidence is not straightforward and requires consideration of the interplay of different variables, context, and rationales through which this causal complexity of the performance-enhancing mechanism of [...] Read more.
The beneficial relationship of entrepreneurial orientation with performance has been extensively acknowledged in the literature. However, empirical evidence is not straightforward and requires consideration of the interplay of different variables, context, and rationales through which this causal complexity of the performance-enhancing mechanism of entrepreneurial orientation influences firm performance. In this paper we examine the way the entrepreneurial behavior of the organization unfolds and affects performance through specific configurations resulting from the simultaneous interaction of strategic networking and dynamic environment in the setting of Southeast European SMEs. We apply hierarchical regression to a sample of 963 small and medium-sized enterprises. Empirical findings provide support for applying the configurational approach and show that companies of high entrepreneurial orientation and high strategic networking operating in a dynamic environment achieve the highest effect on a business performance. Research results further indicate that strategic networking is a mechanism that achieves the greatest efficiency in a dynamic environment and with the presence of a firm’s entrepreneurial orientation. According to the research results, implications for research and practice are suggested. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Collaboration Networks, Organizations, and Innovation)
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Review

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32 pages, 2298 KiB  
Review
Scrutinizing Business Development Research: Dynamic Retrospective Analysis and Conceptual Evolution
by Yu-Min Wei and Hsin-Mei Lin
Adm. Sci. 2024, 14(4), 81; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci14040081 - 22 Apr 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2232
Abstract
While prevalent in enterprise practice, business development (BD) activities have garnered limited attention within academic circles, leading to a noticeable dearth of discussions regarding their comprehensive understanding and the contemporary research landscape. Previous research has underscored the pivotal role and importance of business [...] Read more.
While prevalent in enterprise practice, business development (BD) activities have garnered limited attention within academic circles, leading to a noticeable dearth of discussions regarding their comprehensive understanding and the contemporary research landscape. Previous research has underscored the pivotal role and importance of business development activities in generating new growth opportunities and enhancing dynamic capabilities for enterprises. This article seeks to bridge this academic gap by synthesizing six decades of research literature on enterprise business development activities and tracing the progression of its research trajectory to uncover its complete narrative. Its contributions are manifold: firstly, we intensified the foundational elements of business development research by conducting a meticulous examination of various perspectives and providing insights into former ambiguities surrounding crucial aspects; secondly, it elucidates how contextual factors influence the emergence and evolution of enterprises’ business development activities, highlighting its research significance across different eras; thirdly, it conducts a comprehensive exploration of various research streams within business development and their nuanced interactions across key dimensions. Through these endeavors, this study aims to enrich academic discourse in the domain of business development, establishing a robust academic foundation for subsequent research. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Collaboration Networks, Organizations, and Innovation)
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18 pages, 3371 KiB  
Review
Inter-Organisational Collaboration Structures and Features to Facilitate Stakeholder Collaboration
by Pavithra Ganeshu, Terrence Fernando, Marie-Chiristine Therrien and Kaushal Keraminiyage
Adm. Sci. 2024, 14(2), 25; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci14020025 - 29 Jan 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3237
Abstract
Although inter-organisational collaborative structures play a vital role in determining the level of collaboration among organisations, the identification of required organisational structural types and their features to facilitate fruitful collaboration is not satisfactorily discussed in existing studies. In addition, the connection between inter-organisational [...] Read more.
Although inter-organisational collaborative structures play a vital role in determining the level of collaboration among organisations, the identification of required organisational structural types and their features to facilitate fruitful collaboration is not satisfactorily discussed in existing studies. In addition, the connection between inter-organisational structural types and features, and their influence on collaboration, is not well understood. This systematised literature review study explores the available inter-organisational collaborative structural types, features, and their suitability to facilitate collaboration among organisations. Our findings underscore the importance of adopting a hybrid form of hierarchy and network arrangements to facilitate effective collaboration among organisations. Furthermore, this study developed a framework that presents how collaboration depends on inter-organisational structures and their features in facilitating vertical and horizontal integration. This framework can be used to identify the inter-organisational collaboration structures that are required to move towards a desired inter-organisational collaboration level. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Collaboration Networks, Organizations, and Innovation)
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27 pages, 1060 KiB  
Review
Collaboration among Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises as Part of Internationalization: A Systematic Review
by Luciana Gondim de Almeida Guimarães, Pierre Blanchet and Yan Cimon
Adm. Sci. 2021, 11(4), 153; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci11040153 - 14 Dec 2021
Cited by 20 | Viewed by 8602
Abstract
This article performs a systematic review of the research literature on the forms of collaboration among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) so that they reach the foreign market, since there is a lack of research focusing on the collaborative relationship between national companies [...] Read more.
This article performs a systematic review of the research literature on the forms of collaboration among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) so that they reach the foreign market, since there is a lack of research focusing on the collaborative relationship between national companies as a strategic option for accessing the foreign market. In addition, we analyzed the articles to conceptually synthesized the elements that make up the business models of these collaborative forms of operating in the foreign market. Likewise, we analyzed real cases of collaborative processes among SMEs for the foreign market and highlight the contributions of governments in promoting actions to support these collaborations. We also show some directions for future research that were pointed out by the articles. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Collaboration Networks, Organizations, and Innovation)
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Other

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18 pages, 1919 KiB  
Systematic Review
Exploring the Potential of Open Innovation for Co-Creation in Entrepreneurship: A Systematic Literature Review
by May Portuguez-Castro
Adm. Sci. 2023, 13(9), 198; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci13090198 - 6 Sep 2023
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3469
Abstract
In recent years, the concept of open innovation has garnered interest among companies due to its potential for generating new models and practices. This study aimed to explore the potential of open innovation for co-creation in entrepreneurship. To achieve this, a systematic literature [...] Read more.
In recent years, the concept of open innovation has garnered interest among companies due to its potential for generating new models and practices. This study aimed to explore the potential of open innovation for co-creation in entrepreneurship. To achieve this, a systematic literature review (SLR) was conducted, analyzing 53 scientific articles from the Scopus and Web of Science (WOS) databases. The analysis focused on the characteristics related to co-creation and open innovation, the actors involved in these processes, the strategies employed, and the benefits and challenges encountered. The results revealed that: (a) co-creation and open innovation activities enable entrepreneurs to expand their knowledge base through collaboration with diverse stakeholders; (b) the strategies implemented by entrepreneurs have been beneficial in promoting innovation and the creation of shared value, particularly in the development of technologies and new markets; (c) despite recognizing the importance of this collaboration, there are still challenges to be addressed to maximize the advantages of co-creation and open innovation, such as resource scarcity and collaboration skills. Therefore, this study aimed to provide value to entrepreneurs, organizations supporting entrepreneurship, decision-makers, and the community at large in designing programs and mechanisms that foster co-creation and open innovation competencies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Collaboration Networks, Organizations, and Innovation)
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