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on Economics of Strategic Management |
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Issue of 2014‒01‒24
nineteen papers chosen by Joao Jose de Matos Ferreira University of the Beira Interior |
| By: | Segarra Blasco, Agustí, 1958-; Gombau, Verònica |
| Abstract: | This paper analyzes the profile of Spanish young innovative companies (YICs) and the determinants of innovation and imitation strategies. The results for an extensive sample of 2,221 Spanish firms studied during the period 2004–2010 show that YICs are found in all sectors, although they are more concentrated in high-tech sectors and, in particular, in knowledge-intensive services (KIS). Three of every four YICs are involved in KIS. Our results highlight that financial and knowledge barriers have much impact on the capacity of young, small firms to innovate and to become YICs, whereas market barriers are not obstacles to becoming a YIC. Public funding, in particular from the European Union, makes it easier for a new firm to become a YIC. In addition, YICs are more likely to innovate than mature firms, although they are more susceptible to sectoral and territorial factors. YICs make more dynamic use of innovation and imitation strategies when they operate in high-tech industries and are based in science parks located close to universities. Keywords: innovation strategies, public innovation policies, barriers to innovation, multinomial probit model. JEL Codes: D01, D22 , L60, L80, O31 |
| Keywords: | Microeconomia, Conducta organitzacional, Manufactures, Sector terciari, Innovacions tecnològiques -- Política governamental, 33 - Economia, |
| Date: | 2013 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:urv:wpaper:2072/222200&r=cse |
| By: | T. Buchmann; D. Hain; Muhamed Kudic; M. Müller |
| Abstract: | Our primary goal is to analyse the drivers of evolutionary network change processes by using a stochastic actor-based simulation approach. We contribute to the literature by combining two unique datasets, concerning the German laser and automotive industry, between 2002 and 2006 to explore whether geographical, network-related, and techno-logical determinants affect the evolution of networks, and if so, as to what extent these determinants systematically differ for science-driven industries compared to scale-intensive industries. Our results provide empirical evidence for the explanatory power of network-related determinants in both industries. The ‘experience effect’ as well as the ‘transitivity effects’ are significant for both industries but more pronounced for laser manufacturing firms. When it comes to ‘geographical effects’ and ‘technological ef-fects’ the picture changes considerably. While geographical proximity plays an important role in the automotive industry, firms in the laser industry seem to be less dependent on geographical closeness to cooperation partners; instead they rather search out for cooperation opportunities in distance. This might reflect the strong dependence of firms in science-driven industries to access diverse external knowledge, which cannot necessarily be found in the close geographical surrounding. Technological proximity negatively influences cooperation decisions for laser source manufacturers, yet has no impact for automotive firms. In other words, technological heterogeneity seems to ex-plain, at least in science-driven industries, the attractiveness of potential cooperation partners. |
| Keywords: | network evolution, innovation network, automotive industry, laser industry, SIENA |
| JEL: | O32 C41 D85 |
| Date: | 2014–01 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:iwh:dispap:1-14&r=cse |
| By: | Najda-Janoszka, Marta |
| Abstract: | According to the open innovation model an effective strategy for increasing innovation and competitiveness of the region should be based on active and multilevel cooperation among operators of the local tourism business environment. It is commonly assumed that an exceptionally important role in creating a favorable environment for the cooperative practices in the region is performed by local authorities. Yet, a modest number of research findings presented in the literature indicate a rather high level of inertia of local authorities in creating appropriate conditions for tourism business development, thus putting in question the effectiveness of performed intermediary function in the process of knowledge transfer among tourist enterprises. Given the paucity of empirical evidence on effectiveness of innovation policy interventions at the regional level, this article presents the empirical findings regarding cooperation in innovation between tourist enterprises and local institutional agents. |
| Keywords: | tourism, innovation, cooperation, institutional environment, local government |
| JEL: | H70 L83 O31 |
| Date: | 2013–09–15 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pra:mprapa:52991&r=cse |
| By: | Heshmati, Almas (Sogang University) |
| Abstract: | Korean government has invested significant amount of resources through credit guarantee funds to promote SMEs survival, performance and R&D investment. This study attempts to identify determinants of provision of credit guarantees and estimate their effects on firms R&D expenditures. The relationship between duration of credit and firm's survival and performance is also investigated. Account is made for heterogeneity by various characteristics of firms when looking at credit guarantee and in-house R&D investment relationships. This study results in identification of factors that enhances efficiency of funds and their effects on firms' R&D investment behavior. It enables feedback effects on the public funds selection of firms guaranteed. A number of policy measures are proposed to promote a better balance between public and private investments to reduce the risk of business failure. |
| Keywords: | Credit Guarantee, SMEs, public funds, R&D investment, firm performance, firm survival, Death Valley |
| JEL: | C13 D92 G28 L25 O32 O38 |
| Date: | 2013–12 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:iza:izadps:dp7851&r=cse |
| By: | Andrea Morescalchi (IMT Lucca Institute for Advanced Studies); Fabio Pammolli (IMT Lucca Institute for Advanced Studies); Orion Penner (IMT Lucca Institute for Advanced Studies); Alexander M. Petersen (IMT Lucca Institute for Advanced Studies); Massimo Riccaboni (IMT Lucca Institute for Advanced Studies) |
| Abstract: | Recent studies on the geography of knowledge networks have documented a negative impact of physical distance and institutional borders upon research and development (R&D) collaborations. Though it is widely recognized that geographic constraints and national borders impede the diffusion of knowledge, less attention has been devoted to the temporal evolution of these constraints. In this study we use data on patents filed with the European Patent Office (EPO) for OECD countries to analyze the impact of physical distance and country borders on inter-regional links in four different networks over the period 1988-2009: (1) co-inventorship, (2) patent citations, (3) inventor mobility and (4) the location of R&D laboratories. We find the constraint imposed by country borders and distance decreased until mid-1990s then started to grow, particularly for distance. We further investigate the role of large innovation "hubs" as attractors of new collaboration opportunities and the impact of region size and locality on the evolution of cross-border patenting activities. The intensity of European cross-country inventor collaborations increased at a higher pace than their non-European counterparts until 2004, with no significant relative progress thereafter. Moreover, when analyzing networks of geographical mobility, multinational R&D activities and patent citations we cannot detect any substantial progress in European research integration above and beyond the common global trend. |
| Keywords: | Geography of knowledge, Networks of Innovators, European integration, Spatial proximity, Cross-border collaboration, Gravity model |
| JEL: | O31 O38 R12 R23 D89 |
| Date: | 2014–01 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ial:wpaper:1/2014&r=cse |
| By: | Harapiak, Clayton |
| Abstract: | This case concerns a global retailing firm that is dealing with strategic management and marketing issues. Applying a scenario of international expansion, this case provides a thorough analysis of the current business environment for IKEA. Utilizing a variety of methods (e.g. SWOT, PESTLE, McKinsey Matrix) the overall objective is to provide students with the opportunity to apply their research skills and knowledge regarding a highly competitive industry to develop strategic marketing strategies. The case is oriented towards upper-level undergraduate or MBA marketing students and can be taught within a one to two-hour class with several hours of outside student preparation. |
| Keywords: | IKEA, Home Furnishings Industry, International Expansion |
| JEL: | M10 |
| Date: | 2013–12–01 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pra:mprapa:52946&r=cse |
| By: | Benjamin Kern (University of Marburg) |
| Abstract: | The relevant competitors in regard to innovation might, but not necessarily do, correspond to the identified competitors on actual product markets. Hence, the conventional analysis of product markets, in order to assess the potential anticompetitive effects of mergers, is insufficient to capture innovation competition in its full extent. As a consequence, the aim of this article is to introduce and compare the existing alternative approaches which can, in principle, be used for the assessment of anticompetitive innovation effects in merger review. By focusing on the applied U.S. Antitrust, it turns out that none of the existing approaches seems to be appropriate to fully account for innovation competition. However, the ‘Innovation Market Analysis’, the first framework especially designed for the assessment of innovation aspects, might still serve as a good starting point for the development of a revised assessment framework. |
| JEL: | B52 K21 L12 L41 O31 |
| Date: | 2014 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:mar:magkse:201408&r=cse |
| By: | Addison, John T. (University of South Carolina); Teixeira, Paulino (University of Coimbra); Evers, Katalin (Institute for Employment Research (IAB), Nuremberg); Bellmann, Lutz (Institute for Employment Research (IAB), Nuremberg) |
| Abstract: | The effect of collective bargaining on innovation has long been in dispute. At the level of theory, the hold-up problem has been used to justify positive as well as negative effects of unionism. At the empirical level, although some would consider the North American evidence as cut and dried, this is not the case for other countries. In Europe there is some suggestion that certain industrial relations systems, either alone or in combination with the regulatory framework in which they are embedded, may tip the balance in favor of a beneficial union effect. In the present paper, we assemble nationally representative data for Germany – for many observers the exemplar of a cooperative industrial relations regime – to investigate the impact of collective bargaining on (several measures of) process innovation and product innovation. Our cross section and longitudinal analysis fails to indicate that unionism retards innovation. Indeed, in conjunction with workplace representation, collective bargaining at sectoral level might even be pro innovative. |
| Keywords: | Germany, collective bargaining, innovation |
| JEL: | J51 J53 O31 |
| Date: | 2013–12 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:iza:izadps:dp7871&r=cse |
| By: | Hessels, Jolanda (Erasmus University Rotterdam); Brixy, Udo (Institute for Employment Research (IAB), Nuremberg); Naudé, Wim (Maastricht School of Management); Gries, Thomas (University of Paderborn) |
| Abstract: | We extend Lazear's theory of skills variety and entrepreneurship in three directions. First, we provide a theoretical framework linking new business creation with an entrepreneur's skill variety. Second, in this model we allow for both generalists and specialists to possess skill variety. Third, we test our model empirically using data from Germany and the Netherlands. Individuals with more varied work experience seems indeed more likely to successfully start up a new business and that being a generalist does not seem to be important in this regard. Finally, we find that innovation positively moderates the relationship between having varied experiences, and being successful in starting up a new business. Our conclusion is that entrepreneurs with more varied work experience are more likely to introduce innovations that have not only technical, but also commercial value. Our findings support the notion that entrepreneurship can be learned. |
| Keywords: | entrepreneurship, start-ups, human capital, innovation, skills |
| JEL: | L26 M13 J24 O31 |
| Date: | 2014–01 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:iza:izadps:dp7889&r=cse |
| By: | Singh, Ajit |
| Abstract: | This paper explores the connections between globalization, competition, competition policy and competitiveness. These concepts and the relationships between them have emerged as important issues in the current development debate at both national and international levels. The significance at the national level arises from the privatization and liberalization policies which have been adopted by many developing countries in recent decades. The international significance is directly related to globalization and the continuing deep integration of the world economy through multinational companies and fast growth of global trade. |
| Keywords: | Competition, competition policy, globalisation, developing countries, advanced countries, MNCs |
| JEL: | F0 G3 |
| Date: | 2013–12–03 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pra:mprapa:53027&r=cse |
| By: | Morasch, Karl |
| Abstract: | The related phenomena of learning curve and network effects are quite common in oligopolistic markets. In this context the present paper discusses the incentives of a technological leader to share its exclusive technology with potential competitors. An alliance may be preferable because partner firms may be blocked. On the other hand compeition between the alliance partners will be intensied. It is shown that tha alliance solution will be chosen for medium values of learning curve or network effects. In almost all cases where firms decide to form an alliance this well enhance welfare. -- |
| Keywords: | Alliances,Network externalities,Learning curve,Oligopoly |
| JEL: | L13 D43 L15 |
| Date: | 2013 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:zbw:ubwwpe:20135&r=cse |
| By: | Cebeci, Tolga |
| Abstract: | This paper evaluates the role of export destinations on productivity, employment, and wages of Turkish firms by comparing the performance of firms that export to low-income destinations and high-income destinations with firms that do not export. A combination of propensity score matching and difference-in-differences methods are employed on a rich set of firm observables, including sector, region, employment, total factor productivity (TFP), capital intensity, wages, support from government, ownership, and the research and development intensity of firms. Four sets of findings emerge from the analysis: i) Export entry has a positive causal effect on firm TFP and employment and this effect is strengthened as a firm continues to export. ii) In contrast, export entry has a moderate wage effect that emerges only with a lag. iii) Unlike exporting to high-income destinations, exporting to low-income destinations does not result in significantly higher firm TFP and wages. iv) The employment effect of exporting to low-income destinations is comparable to that of exporting to high-income destinations. |
| Keywords: | Economic Theory&Research,Microfinance,Labor Policies,E-Business,Tax Law |
| Date: | 2014–01–01 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:wbk:wbrwps:6743&r=cse |
| By: | Roberto Antonietti; Giulio Cainelli; Monica Ferrari; Stefania Tomasini |
| Abstract: | In this paper, we study whether industrial relatedness affects firms’ fixed investment behaviour, and whether this relationship is linked also to the operational and organizational proximity between banks and local economies. By estimating different specifications of a dynamic investment equation on an unbalanced panel of Italian manufacturing firms for the period 2000-2007, we find that industrial relatedness boosts fixed investments by lowering their sensitivity to cash flow. This occurs because in technologically related areas banks benefit from lower screening and monitoring costs, easier re-allocation of property rights, and higher likelihood of establishing extended credit relationships with firms. However, we find also that the positive effect of industrial relatedness on investments disappears as the functional distance between local branches and their headquarters increases: more hierarchical and less embedded banks find it more difficult to collect tacit information on inter-firm production and financial linkages at the local level and therefore reduce credit provision. |
| Keywords: | error correction model, fixed investments, industrial relatedness, functional distance, operational proximity |
| JEL: | G21 G34 L60 O12 R51 |
| Date: | 2014–01 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:egu:wpaper:1402&r=cse |
| By: | Susanne Ollila (Chalmers - Chalmers University of Technology - Chalmers University of Technology); Anna Yström (Management of Organizational Renewal and Entrepreneurship - Chalmers University of Technology); Marine Agogué (CGS - Centre de Gestion Scientifique - MINES ParisTech - École nationale supérieure des mines de Paris) |
| Abstract: | This paper explores the challenges organizations face in practice as they engage in open innovation projects with multiple partners. Open innovation as a way to increase competitiveness has become popular among many organizations, but its success is not guaranteed. It appears to sometimes be challenging to reap the benefits of bringing multiple, diverse partners together, as it is difficult to turn the differences into something constructive. Using empirical findings from a project in the field of vehicle- and traffic safety, this paper contributes with a proposal for a refined methodology, iKCP, to enable and facilitate open innovation collaboration. Inspiration has been sought in methods used for managing innovative design processes. The strength of the iKCP methodology is that it supports, encourages and even forces the participants to leave the zone of territorial protection and be at ease in the zone of expansive exploration. |
| Date: | 2013–06 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hal:journl:hal-00931185&r=cse |
| By: | Bat Batjargal |
| Abstract: | What is the interrelationship among formal institutions, social networks, and new venture growth? Drawing on the theory of institutional polycentrism and social network theory, we examine this question using data on 637 entrepreneurs from four different countries. We find the confluence of weak and inefficient formal institutions to be associated with a larger number of structural holes in the entrepreneurial social networks. While the effect of this institutional order on the revenue growth of new ventures is negative, a network’s structural holes have a positive effect on the revenue growth. Furthermore, the positive effect of structural holes on the revenue growth is stronger in an environment with a more adverse institutional order (i.e., weaker and more inefficient institutions). The contributions and implications of these findings are discussed. |
| Keywords: | Institutional polycentrism, networks, new venture growth, Institutions, Networks, Entrepreneurship, New ventures, and Emerging economies |
| JEL: | B52 C12 D02 L26 M13 |
| Date: | 2013–09–15 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:wdi:papers:2013-1060&r=cse |
| By: | Sabine Hoidn; Kiira Kärkkäinen |
| Abstract: | Higher education plays an important role in providing people with skills for innovation, but a number of important questions remain as to what kind of higher education teaching can be conducive to the strengthening of skills for innovation. This report aims to shed light on this issue by reviewing the current evidence on the effectiveness of problem-based learning compared with more traditional approaches in higher education teaching. It explores the extent to which problem-based learning can be an effective way to develop different discipline-specific and transferable skills for innovation. Research, primarily from the field of medicine, shows that problem-based learning appears to be beneficial in fostering certain aspects of skills for innovation. In addition, the report explores the literature on direct teaching behaviours that may help foster student learning in more traditional teaching settings. Despite the promising evidence linking problem-based learning and effective teaching in higher education to certain aspects of skills for innovation, more work is needed in this area. There is strong potential for further research to provide additional important insights into the development of skills for innovation. |
| Date: | 2014–01–16 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:oec:eduaab:100-en&r=cse |
| By: | Bhaumik, Sumon K. (Aston University); Zhou, Ying (Aston University) |
| Abstract: | Business groups, which are ubiquitous in emerging market economies, balance the advantages of characteristics such as internal capital markets with the disadvantages such as inefficient internal distribution of resources and suppression of technological and other forms of innovativeness. In this paper, we examine, in the Indian context, whether business group affiliation provides an advantage over unaffiliated (or private independent) firms with respect to technological progress, which lies at the heart of wider economic growth and prosperity. Our results suggest that while business group affiliation did provide an advantage over private independent firms at the start of the sample period (2000), this advantage was more than offset by the turn of the century. We discuss the implications of our results for economic growth rates in emerging market economies. |
| Keywords: | business groups, technological progress, India |
| JEL: | D24 L21 L22 O12 |
| Date: | 2014–01 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:iza:izadps:dp7885&r=cse |
| By: | Fang, Tony (Monash University); Ge, Ying (School of International Trade and Economics, Beijing) |
| Abstract: | This paper uses the national firm level survey data to investigate the effects of Chinese unions on firm performance. We show that Chinese unions have a strong "State-Party voice" face and a "collective voice" face but lack of "monopoly" face. The government influence plays an important role in unionization. The empirical findings on the effectiveness of unions are remarkable: unions in the workplace significantly improve productivity but reduce enterprise profitability. Moreover, the presence of unions in same region and industry generates negative spillovers on enterprise performance. |
| Keywords: | unions, laws, productivity, profitability, China |
| JEL: | J51 J52 J53 |
| Date: | 2013–12 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:iza:izadps:dp7870&r=cse |
| By: | Svante Andersson (Halmstad University); Gabriel Awuah (Halmstad University); Ingemar Wictor (Halmstad University) |
| Date: | 2014–01 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:img:wpaper:15&r=cse |