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on Economics of Strategic Management |
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Issue of 2013‒01‒19
twelve papers chosen by Joao Jose de Matos Ferreira University of the Beira Interior |
| By: | Olfa KAMMOUN; Mohieddine RAHMOUNI |
| Abstract: | This paper documents the relationship between appropriation instruments and the innovation activity and other determinants of the innovation behavior of firms in Tunisia. It focuses on studying the factors that determine the appropriation of innovation results like the value of sales of the firms, networking, science-industry linkage, competitive pressure and demand pull. To this end, we propose an econometric analysis of various hypotheses tested in a sample of 586 Tunisian firms. We find significant interaction effects between appropriability and R&D activity. The results confirm that patenting is primarily driven by firm-level factors, not by industry affiliation. Access to external knowledge and firm\'s specific characteristics are the most factors linked to the innovation protection. Firms that use appropriation instruments have a higher probability of investing in R&D than the other ones. Indeed, the capability to integrate external knowledge and performing R&D (networking, science-industry linkage, cooperation with other firms, belonging to a group) is related to the use of appropriation instruments. |
| Keywords: | Appropriation instruments, patents; Innovation; development; absorptive capacity |
| JEL: | O12 O30 |
| Date: | 2013 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:grt:wpegrt:2013-01&r=cse |
| By: | Harhoff, Dietmar |
| Abstract: | Innovation processes within corporations increasingly tap into international technology sources, yet little is known about the relative contribution of different types of innovation channels. We investigate the effectiveness of different types of international technology sourcing activities using survey information on German companies complemented with information from the European Patent Office. German firms with inventors based in the US disproportionately benefit from R&D knowledge located in the US. The positive influence on total factor productivity is larger if the research of the inventors results in co-applications of patents with US companies. Moreover, research cooperation with American suppliers also enables German firms to better tap into US R&D, but cooperation with customers and competitors does not appear to aid technology sourcing. The results suggest that the “brain drain” to the US can have upsides for corporations tapping into American know-how. |
| Keywords: | technology sourcing; knowledge spillovers; productivity; open innovation |
| JEL: | O32 O33 |
| Date: | 2012–03–12 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:lmu:msmdpa:14327&r=cse |
| By: | Pilar Beneito (University of Valencia and ERI-CES); María E. Rochina-Barrachina (University of Valencia and ERI-CES); Amparo Sanchis (University of Valencia and ERI-CES) |
| Abstract: | In this paper we analyse the role of learning through experience in Research and Development (R&D) activities in strengthening firms’ capabilities to achieve innovation outcomes. Using a production function approach, we estimate a count-data model using a panel dataset of Spanish manufacturing firms for the period 1990-2006. We find that the number of years of engagement in R&D activities is positively associated with the achievement of product innovations. Our results highlight that experience in R&D is an additional technological asset to be considered for a good management practice. In particular our findings indicate that the relationship between firms’ R&D experience and product innovations is non-linear, that is, that experience has a positive effect on the probability to achieve product innovations, but at a decreasing rate. In addition, our results suggest that, although large firms are more efficient than SMEs in converting R&D investment into product innovations, SMEs obtain more efficiency gains from R&D experience than large firms. |
| Keywords: | R&D experience, learning, product innovation, count data, SMEs |
| Date: | 2013–01 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:eec:wpaper:1302&r=cse |
| By: | Marco Corsino; Roberto Gabriele; Anna Giunta |
| Abstract: | The empirical evidence concerning the impact of R&D subsidies on both sides of the innovation process (input and output) and the overall performance of the firm is mixed. Moreover, while the role of regions in implementing innovation policies has increased since the last decade, little is known on the effectiveness of regional policy. This paper analyzes the effectiveness of a local R&D policy implemented in the Italian province of Trento, during the period 2002-07. The econometric analysis is based on counterfactual models. We evaluate the achievements of the local policy maker with respect to the following objectives: (i) prompt additional investment in innovation; (ii) enhance the overall competitiveness of the business sector in the regional area. We find that R&D incentives positively affect investments in intangible assets and human capital, while they have no effect on firms’ turnover, labor productivity and profitability. |
| Keywords: | Regional Innovation Policy, Ex Post Evaluation, Subsidies, Research and Development, Counterfactual Models |
| JEL: | O25 O31 O38 |
| Date: | 2012–11 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:rtr:wpaper:0169&r=cse |
| By: | Ozgen, Ceren (VU University Amsterdam); Nijkamp, Peter (VU University Amsterdam); Poot, Jacques (University of Waikato) |
| Abstract: | To investigate econometrically whether cultural diversity of a firm's employees boosts innovation, we create a unique linked employer‐employee dataset that combines data from two innovation surveys in The Netherlands with administrative and tax data. We calculate three distinct measures of diversity. We find that firms that employ fewer foreign workers are generally more innovative, but that diversity among a firm's foreign workers is positively associated with innovation activity. The positive impact of diversity on product or process innovations is greater among firms in knowledge-intensive sectors and in internationally‐oriented sectors. The impact is robust to accounting for endogeneity of foreign employment. |
| Keywords: | immigration, innovation, cultural diversity, knowledge spillovers, linked administrative and survey data |
| JEL: | D22 F22 O31 |
| Date: | 2013–01 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:iza:izadps:dp7129&r=cse |
| By: | Olaf Merk; Claude Comtois |
| Abstract: | This working paper offers an evaluation of the performance of the port of Marseille-Fos, an analysis of the impact of the port on its territory and an assessment of policies and governance in this field. It examines declining port performance over the last decades and identifies the principal factors that have contributed to it. The effect of the ports on economic and environmental questions is studied and quantified where possible. The value added of the port cluster of Marseille-Fos is calculated and its interlinkages with other economic sectors and other regions in France delineated. The paper outlines the impact of the ports? operations, and shows how their activities spill over into other regions than the one in which the port of Marseille-Fos is located. The major policies governing the ports are assessed, along with policies governing transport and economic development, the environment and spatial planning. These include measures instituted by the port authorities, as well as by local, regional and national governments. Governance mechanisms at these different levels are described and analysed. Based on the report?s findings, recommendations are proposed with a view to improving port performance and increasing the positive effects of the port of Marseille-Fos on its territory. |
| Keywords: | transportation, ports, regional development, regional growth, urban growth, inter-regional trade, input-output |
| JEL: | D57 L91 R11 R12 R15 R41 |
| Date: | 2012–12–19 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:oec:govaab:2012/11-en&r=cse |
| By: | Dezhina , Irina; Simachev, Yuri |
| Abstract: | The paper presents the results of 2-year survey conducted in 2011-2012 among Russian universities and companies who jointly implement R&D projects aimed at development of high-tech manufacturing. The joint projects represent a new government instrument to stimulate the development of linkages between universities and companies by giving matching grants for R&D to companies with obligation to order R&D to a university-partner. The objectives of the survey included analysis of motivation for cooperation both from side of universities and companies; primary effects and side-effects of such initiative; changes that may be introduced to the government regulations concerning matching grants. Total 38 teams were surveyed. Our findings show that major motivations from side of universities were access to new practical research tasks from companies, selection of most competitive teams of researchers capable to work with companies, and strengthening reputation in business environment. Companies were interested in getting government funding in order to solve their technological problems; to strengthen, due cooperation with universities, their research capacity, and to use modern research infrastructure located at universities. The analysis allowed identification of the major effects of the matching grants mechanism. They included: strengthening of university orientation towards solving practical tasks which are of interest to business; institutionalization of relations between universities and business in the sphere of innovation activity; broadening of research cooperation and the formation of research consortiums; harmonization of research and educational tasks in universities, and orientation of the parties towards continuing cooperation in the innovation sphere. |
| Keywords: | STI policy evaluation; public R&D subsidies; matching grants; university-industry linkages; behavioral additionality; innovations |
| JEL: | D21 I28 O31 |
| Date: | 2012–12–23 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pra:mprapa:43622&r=cse |
| By: | Michael Fritsch (School of Economics and Business Administration, Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena); Alina Sorgner (School of Economics and Business Administration, Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena) |
| Abstract: | It has widely been recognized that creativity plays an immense role not only for arts, sciences, and technology, but also for entrepreneurship, innovation, and thus, economic growth. We analyze the level and the determinants of self-employment in creative professions at the level of individuals. The analysis is based on the representative micro data of the German Socio-Economic Panel (SOEP). The findings suggest that people in creative professions appear more likely to be self-employed and that a high regional share of people in the creative class increases an individual's likelihood of being an entrepreneur. Investigating the determinants of entrepreneurship within the creative class as compared to non-creative professions reveals only some few differences. |
| Keywords: | Entrepreneurship, new business formation, creativity, creative class |
| JEL: | L26 Z1 D03 |
| Date: | 2013–01–10 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:jrp:jrpwrp:2013-005&r=cse |
| By: | François Perrot (Ecole Polytechnique - Ecole Polytechnique) |
| Abstract: | To what extent and how does a multinational corporation adapt its strategy and organizational capabilities in order to address markets at the Base of the Pyramid? This paper builds on the results of a three-year action-research program conducted with Lafarge, a global building materials company and introduces a strategic framework which opposes two types of approaches of such markets: a licence-to-operate approach, and a business opportunityseeking approach. The article analyzes how the company moved from the first to the second approach and discusses the implications in terms of organizational capabilities of with each approach. |
| Keywords: | Base of the Pyramid / Multinational Corporation / Action-research |
| Date: | 2013–01–08 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hal:wpaper:hal-00771299&r=cse |
| By: | Chia-Lin Chang (National Chung Hsing University, Taiwan); Hui-Kuang Hsu (National Pingtung Institute of Commerce, Taiwan); Michael McAleer (Erasmus University Rotterdam, Kyoto University, Japan, and Complutense University of Madrid, Spain) |
| Abstract: | This paper examines the size effects of volatility spillovers for firm performance and exchange rates with asymmetry in the Taiwan tourism industry. The analysis is based on two conditional multivariate models, BEKK-AGARCH and VARMA-AGARCH, in the volatility specification. Daily data from 1 July 2008 to 29 June 2012 for 999 firms are used, which covers the Global Financial Crisis. The empirical findings indicate that there are size effects on volatility spillovers from the exchange rate to firm performance. Specifically, the risk for firm size has different effects from the three leading tourism sources to Taiwan, namely USA, Japan, and China. Furthermore, all the return series reveal quite high volatility spillovers (at over sixty percent) with a one-period lag. The empirical results show a negative correlation between exchange rate returns and stock returns. However, the asymmetric effect of the shock is ambiguous, owing to conflicts in the significance and signs of the asymmetry effect in the two estimated multivariate GARCH models. The empirical findings provide financial managers with a better understanding of how firm size is related to financial performance, risk and portfolio management strategies that can be used in practice. |
| Keywords: | Tourism; Size effects; Small-firm effects; Financial performance; Spillover effects; MGARCH; VARMA; BEKK |
| JEL: | C22 G32 L83 |
| Date: | 2013–01–07 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:dgr:uvatin:20130008&r=cse |
| By: | Lea, Kubíčková; Lenka, Procházková |
| Abstract: | In context of discussionsabout the Czech foreign trade development, questions of the Czech enterprises’ability to participate in the internationalization processare often considered. The main aim of this article is to present various points of view on the globalization and enterprise internationalization processwith a special accent on the analysis of the specifics in the internationalization process of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Those enterprises represent a significant part of the Czech economy because they considerably contribute to the creation of vacancies and GDP; they are a source of innovation and technological progress and the factors of their successful functioning in foreign trades differ from the large-sized enterprises.For this reason, SMEshave been more frequently analysed in an effort to identify key factors, which involvetheir ability to succeed in international activities. Those factors could positively influence other SMEs in their plans to participate in the foreign trade. However, not all the enterprises have equal conditions for entering the foreign marketfield.In some business spheres, the export of SMEs is supported, which is considerably helpful, mainly in case of enterprises with insufficient funds. Some of the other spheresfacilitate access to the foreign market because of their sort ofproduction. Besides analysing the internationalization process of SMEs, this article is also focused on identification of both key factors of success and risk factors of the process.Determinants of SMEs success in the foreign market were examined using several extensive researches among Czech small and medium-sized enterprises of various business spheres. Results of the research have produced interesting information. It was discovered that all SMEs, although they operate in different business spheres, share similar problems concerning the internationalization process. Key factors, which determine success of Czech small and medium-sized enterprises in the internationalization process, are analogous in spite of diverse business spheres, but nevertheless every particular branch has a strong effect on an opportunity and willingness of SMEs to participate in the internationalization process. |
| Keywords: | SMEs; internationalization; success; keyfactors; successevaluation |
| JEL: | M20 |
| Date: | 2012 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pra:mprapa:43759&r=cse |
| By: | Lea, Kubíčková |
| Abstract: | Small and medium sized companies (SMEs) are very important subjects playing the dominant role in most of economics – they are considered as a factor of social stability and of the economic development in the Czech Republic as well as in the whole EU. SMEs share of employment since 2002 is more than 61%, GNP share is about 35% and their import share is continuously increasing, from 2004 it is more than 50%. The paper deals with SMEs operating in the textile industry and is focused on the internationalization process of SMEs. In recent years the Czech companies have to face significant competition coming from Asian countries and therefore the big rivalry in the domestic market leads Czech companies to efforts to succeed in foreign markets. All companies entering foreign market have to face many risks, for small and medium-sized enterprises is even more difficult to deal with these risks because they often have less experience and finance than large companies. Internationalization of the firms is generally defined as the involvement in the international environment. The process of internationalization can be also defined as “the process of increasing involves in international operations” (Welch, Luostarinen; 1988). The process essentially involves the adaption of firm operations like strategy, structure, resources etc., to perfectly fit the international environments. Furthermore, the degree of internationalization can be measured as foreign sales relative to total sales. (Welch, Luostarinen; 1988).The internationalization process is defined in the literature in many ways; there is a countless variety of different approaches and models of internationalization process of companies. Like all processes in the firm also the international process is accompanied by risks. The main aim of this paper is to identify the key risk factors of this process - knowing the risk factors it is possible to propose to SMEs the way how to reduce or eliminate possible risks in their activities on foreign markets. To reveal the key risk there was conducted the survey in the last half of 2011 and in 2012 among 803 Czech SMEs operating in the textile industry, 161 responses were processed and evaluated. The obtained data were analyzed by statistical method. Potential risks of entry into foreign market were rated according to their impact on businesses. According to processed responses the greatest influences on the process of successful internationalization have a shortage of capital, lack of the information on foreign markets and high transportation costs. Other factors that may impede the successful internationalization are language barriers, inexperience of management with the internationalization and high prices of products. Furthermore, a survey has investigated what factors cause that some SMEs are able to enter the foreign market, but after some time they are not successful there. It was found that the main factors of failure of SMEs are the unreliable and incompetent management, lack of promotion of the products and lack of contacts abroad. Based on these findings there some proposals were suggested to eliminate or reduce the impact of these risk factors. |
| Keywords: | Internationalization; small and medium-sized enterprises; crucial key factors; internationalization process; textile industry |
| JEL: | F18 L10 F02 |
| Date: | 2012 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pra:mprapa:43758&r=cse |