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on Economics of Strategic Management |
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Issue of 2011‒05‒07
thirteen papers chosen by Joao Jose de Matos Ferreira University of the Beira Interior |
| By: | Silvia R. Sedita (University of Padova); Fiorenza Belussi (University of Padova); Gianluca Fiscato (University of Milano) |
| Abstract: | The aim of the paper is to identify the internationalization models of SME industrial district firms within a very integrated and dynamic Regional Innovation System (RIS) of Italy. By doing so, we investigate which are the strategies of firms embedded in a RIS to access global suppliers and markets. Accordingly, this paper explores the role of SMEs firmsÕ dynamic capabilities, its linkage with the industry investments in ICT (information and communication technologies) and the impact of the utilization of regional knowledge intensive business services (KIBS) in shaping the degree of internationalization of local firms. The analysis is based on a survey addressed during 2004 to entrepreneurs or managers of a sample of 125 SMEs firms operating in 7 industrial districts (biomedical, ceramics, shipbuilding, footwear, textile, plastics and packaging) of the Emilia Romagna. The results coming from a structural equation model revealed factors that impact on firmsÕ degree of internationalization in the input (relocalisation of foreign purchases through global value chains) and in the output dimension (export sales). Some interesting insights on what lies beneath the internationalization of firms in a very dynamic regional innovation system like that one of Emilia Romagna are provided. |
| Keywords: | industrial districts, dynamic capabilities, ICT (information and communication technologies), internationalization; regional innovation systems. |
| JEL: | F23 O32 R58 |
| Date: | 2011–04 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pad:wpaper:0132&r=cse |
| By: | Rizea (Pirnea), Ionela Carmen |
| Abstract: | In a knowledge economy, innovation is the competitiveness key and the acquisition and dissemination of knowledge in social systems is the result of collaboration between individuals and communities of interest. Managers can not measure the innovative capacity of the organization, but they may improve his performance. Managers can improve the rate and quality of innovation and competitiveness on the market. Intellectual capital through its three forms - human capital, organizational capital and structural capital, it makes organizational performance. The purpose of this article is to highlight the relationship between innovation, intellectual capital and organizational performance. |
| Keywords: | innovation; entrepreneurship; human capital; intellectual capital; structural capital; performance. |
| JEL: | L25 O32 |
| Date: | 2011–01–20 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pra:mprapa:29889&r=cse |
| By: | Jean BELIN (GREThA, CNRS, UMR 5113); Jens HORBACH (University of Applied Sciences Augsburg); Vanessa OLTRA (GREThA, CNRS, UMR 5113) |
| Abstract: | Many recent papers deal with exploring and explaining the determinants of eco-innovations for different countries supporting the formulation of efficient policy measures to trigger eco-innovation activities of firms. Unfortunately, there is still a lack of cross-country analyses allowing recognizing “international” stylized facts, but also regional characteristics of eco-innovations. Based on data from the fourth Community Innovation Survey (CIS) for France and Germany, the present paper tries to contribute to fill this gap. Using econometric methods, we are able to detect remarkable similarities between the different determinants of eco-innovation in the two countries. The results confirm the central role of regulation and cost savings as motivations for eco-innovation. Furthermore, eco-innovative activities seem to require more external sources of knowledge and information than innovation in general. |
| Keywords: | Eco-Innovation, Industry, Discrete Choice Models |
| JEL: | Q55 O33 O38 C25 |
| Date: | 2011 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:grt:wpegrt:2011-17&r=cse |
| By: | Iraj Hashi; Nebojsa Stojcic; Shqiponja Telhaj |
| Abstract: | This paper aims to explore the factors influencing the ability of firms to compete in globalised markets. The Austrian and evolutionary economics and the endogeneous growth literature highlight the role of innovation activities in enabling firms to compete more effectively - and expand their market share. On the basis of these theories, and using a large panel of firms from several Central and East European Countries (CEECs), this paper attempts to identify the factors and forces which determine the ability of firms to compete in conditions of transition. The competitiveness of firms, measured by their market share, is postulated to depend on indicators of firms' innovation behaviour such as improvements in cost-efficiency, labour productivity and investment in new machinery and equipment as well as characteristics of firms and their environment such as location, experience, technological intensity of their industries and the intensity of competition. To control for the dynamic nature of competitiveness and the potential endogeneity of its determinants, and to distinguish between short and long run effects of firm behaviour, a dynamic panel methodology is employed. The results indicate that the competitiveness of firms in transition economies is enhanced with improvements in their cost efficiency, productivity of labour, investment and their previous business experience while stronger competition has a negative impact on it. |
| Keywords: | competitiveness, restructuring, transition economies, market share, dynamic panel analysis |
| JEL: | O31 |
| Date: | 2011–04 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:sec:cnstan:0424&r=cse |
| By: | Andrea, Canidio |
| Abstract: | Empirical evidence shows that R&D productivity decreases with firm size. I provide an explanation to this fact by developing a model of science production where heterogeneous researchers are endogenously allocated to different firms. The main assumption is that firms invest in research to increase their absorptive capacity: the ability to use and understand knowledge produced outside of the firm. Firms create absorptive capacity by building labs and hiring researchers in a competitive market. Because of externalities, firms underinvest in labs. More interestingly, researchers and labs are substitutes in the revenue function, even though they are complements in the research production function. As a consequence, the greater the investment in research, the lower the productivity of the researcher working for the firm. This generates a novel form of inefficiency: for any given investment, the allocation of researchers to firms is non optimal. |
| Keywords: | Knowledge, R&D Productivity, Organization of Scientific Research, Externality, Absorptive Capacity, Matching with Investment. |
| JEL: | D21 O38 O31 H23 L22 |
| Date: | 2010–07 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pra:mprapa:30257&r=cse |
| By: | Pierre-Yves DONZÉ (Osaka University, Graduate School of Economics, Post-doctoral Research Fellow of the Japanese Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)) |
| Abstract: | The objective of this paper is to contribute to a better understanding of the comeback of the Swiss watch industry on the world market since the end of the 1980s. It focuses on the Swatch Group (SG), currently the worldfs biggest watch company. In 1983, the merger of the largest watch group (SSIH) and of the trust controlling the production of parts and movements of watches (ASUAG) into SG was the main measure taken to overcome the Japanese competition. Managed since 1986 by Nicolas G. Hayek (1928-2010), SG experienced a high growth and recovered its competitiveness on the world market, becoming a driving force for the entire Swiss watch industry. This success is traditionally explained by the firm itself and by scholars as the result of the launch of a new product (Swatch, a cheap plastic quartz watch first marketed in 1983) and the persistence of an old technical culture in Switzerland which enabled this rebirth. This paper, based on SG annual reports, focuses on the strategy adopted by SG since 1983. It shows that, rather than product innovation (Swatch), it was the rationalization and globalization of the production system (concentration of strategic partsf production in Switzerland; transfer of production facilities in Asia), together with a new marketing strategy (brand segmentation, distribution and retailing facilities, communication, etc.) which were the two main sources of the comeback of the Swiss watch industry on the world market. While Japanese still attach great attention to product innovation, SG largely established its competitiveness on non-technological innovation. |
| Keywords: | Watch Industry; Switzerland; Swatch Group; Luxury Goods; Marketing Strategy |
| JEL: | M31 N80 |
| Date: | 2011–04 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:osk:wpaper:1114&r=cse |
| By: | Andersson, Martin (CESIS - Centre of Excellence for Science and Innovation Studies, Royal Institute of Technology); Johansson, Börje (CESIS - Centre of Excellence for Science and Innovation Studies, Royal Institute of Technology) |
| Abstract: | The paper focuses on challenges and potentials for policy in the presence of fundamental change processes that influence the long-term evolution of regions. The perspective in the paper implies that policy can be viewed as ‘management of change’. We present a conceptual model for understanding the nature of fundamental change processes, which emphasizes slowly changing regional characteristics and invariant self-organized response mechanisms. It is supported by empirical examples of the invariant character of regional development and innovation phenomena, such as long-term population growth, export dynamics and persistence in new firm formation across regions in Sweden. The examples are put in perspective by studying the behavior of dynamic systems. A discussion of how policy may support new trajectories are provided. |
| Keywords: | business renewal; innovation; regional policy; persistence; change-processes; dynamic systems; path-dependence |
| JEL: | O31 R11 R12 R58 |
| Date: | 2011–04–26 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hhs:cesisp:0249&r=cse |
| By: | Schimke, Antje; Brenner, Thomas |
| Abstract: | This paper investigates whether the economic factors that are related to firm growth in the literature also determine the development path of firms. This means that we test which economic factors possess the ability to remain effective for a longer period of time. We examine three variables: firm size, innovation effort and export share. To this end, we use panel-data on 178 German manufacturing firms over the period from 1992 to 2007. We find that the determinants of permanent growth path are not the same as the determinants of firm growth at one point in time. -- |
| Keywords: | firm growth,firm growth paths,firm size,export,innovation effort |
| Date: | 2011 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:zbw:kitwps:21&r=cse |
| By: | Bruhn, Miriam; Zia, Bilal |
| Abstract: | Identifying the determinants of entrepreneurship is an important research and policy goal, especially in emerging market economies where lack of capital and supporting infrastructure often imposes stringent constraints on business growth. This paper studies the impact of a comprehensive business and financial literacy program on firm outcomes of young entrepreneurs in an emerging post-conflict economy, Bosnia and Herzegovina. The authors conduct a randomized control trial and find that while the training program did not influence business survival, it significantly improved business practices, investments, and loan terms for surviving businesses. Entrepreneurs with higher ex-ante financial literacy further exhibited some improvements in business performance and sales. |
| Keywords: | Financial Literacy,Access to Finance,Business in Development,Competitiveness and Competition Policy,Business Environment |
| Date: | 2011–04–01 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:wbk:wbrwps:5642&r=cse |
| By: | Noriaki Matsushima; Koki Arai; Ikuo Ishibashi; Fumio Sensui |
| Abstract: | Using a simple downstream duopoly model with vertical relations and downstream R&D, we investigate the effect of non-assertion of patents (NAP) provisions. A monopoly upstream firm decides whether to employ NAP provisions. If it does so, it freely incorporates the R&D outcomes into its inputs. Incorporation improves the efficiency of the downstream firms' production. We have interpreted the introduction of NAP provisions as a source of technology spillover. Using the technologies of two downstream firms is optimal for the upstream firm if and only if the degree of technology spillover is small. In addition, if the ex ante cost difference between the downstream firms is significant, such technology spillovers erode both the profit of the efficient downstream firm and social welfare. We interpret our result in the context of an actual antitrust case related to this model. |
| Date: | 2011–04 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:dpr:wpaper:0807&r=cse |
| By: | Yuko Ito (National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies); Hiroshi Nagano (National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies) |
| Abstract: | Accountability for investment of public funds is required and it is necessary to explain the social contribution or social return of research based on evidence. In case of life sciences R&D, we consider that the innovation in the medical treatment (drug discovery) is its goal, which will contribute to the furtherance of public health. Therefore, collaborative research between public institutions and hospitals is regarded to be crucial. We conducted an on-line survey among hospital physicians. The results indicated that physicians in national/incorporated administrative agency hospitals seem to act as a mediator between basic research and clinical trial (such as those willing to conduct clinical research or clinical trial, who have the ability to publish paper written in foreign language, etc.). In addition, we examined collaborative models between public institutes (NIH, INSERM) and hospitals abroad. Based on these models, we propose that the collaboration between the RIKEN Institute and the National Hospital Organization may create Japanese styled collaborative model covering from basic research to clinical (phase II), similar to the NIH in the United States. |
| Keywords: | translational research, public institutes, social return, hospital physicians,collaboration |
| Date: | 2011–04 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ngi:dpaper:10-36&r=cse |
| By: | Mugera, Amin |
| Abstract: | This article integrates fuzzy set theory in Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) framework to compute technical efficiency scores when input and output data are imprecise. The underlying assumption in convectional DEA is that inputs and outputs data are measured with precision. However, production agriculture takes place in an uncertain environment and, in some situations, input and output data may be imprecise. We present an approach of measuring efficiency when data is known to lie within specified intervals and empirically illustrate this approach using a group of 34 dairy producers in Pennsylvania. Compared to the convectional DEA scores that are point estimates, the computed fuzzy efficiency scores allow the decision maker to trace the performance of a decision-making unit at different possibility levels. |
| Keywords: | fuzzy set theory, Data Envelopment Analysis, membership function, α-cut level, technical efficiency, Farm Management, Production Economics, Productivity Analysis, Research Methods/ Statistical Methods, Risk and Uncertainty, D24, Q12, C02, C44, C61, |
| Date: | 2011 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aaea11:103251&r=cse |
| By: | Zhang, Tiantian (Cardiff Business School); Matthews, Kent (Cardiff Business School) |
| Abstract: | This paper examines the convergence properties of cost efficiency for Indonesian banks for the period 1992-2007. It employs the Simar and Wilson's (2007) two stage semi-parametric double bootstrap DEA procedure to estimate cost efficiency. Using panel data estimation, the paper examines β-convergence and σ-convergence, to test the speed at which Indonesian banks are converging, towards the best practice and country average. We find evidence that in general the post-crisis structural reform process improved the average level of efficiency and improved the distribution of efficiency across banks significantly. The Asian financial crisis and the structural reform had the effect of slowing the adjustment speed of bank efficiency. |
| Keywords: | Banks; Efficiency; Indonesia; Convergence |
| JEL: | G21 G28 |
| Date: | 2011–04 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:cdf:wpaper:2011/12&r=cse |