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on Economics of Strategic Management |
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Issue of 2019‒09‒09
fifteen papers chosen by João José de Matos Ferreira Universidade da Beira Interior |
| By: | Torres Mazzi, Caio (UNU-MERIT); Foster-McGregor, Neil (UNU-MERIT) |
| Abstract: | This paper explores how technological capabilities influence the relationship between imported inputs and the export performance of firms. We apply threshold regression techniques to a representative dataset of Brazilian firms and find a strong positive influence of innovation skills on the relationship between imported intermediates and export revenues. We further find that the complementarities between importing and exporting are stronger for firms that export products with a higher scope for quality differentiation. We also observe that technological capabilities are directly correlated with export performance, confirming the view that innovation positively influences firms' international competitiveness. This relationship is not found to be significant for firms that export products with a low scope for quality differentiation and that export to lower income non-OECD markets. Overall, our results suggest that technological capabilities and the quality of imported inputs not only benefit firms directly but also complement each other in enhancing export competitiveness. |
| Keywords: | imports, exports, productivity, innovation, technological capabilities, Brazil |
| JEL: | F14 O31 O33 O47 |
| Date: | 2019–08–28 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:unm:unumer:2019028&r=all |
| By: | Bruno, Randolph Luca (University College London); Douarin, Elodie (University College London); Korosteleva, Julia (University College London); Radosevic, Slavo (University College London) |
| Abstract: | The paper explores the determinants of productivity gap within the European Union in four industrial manufacturing sectors (computers, chemicals, basic metals and food) of strong macroeconomic significance and varied 'Research and Development' (R&D) intensity. Our analysis reveals that some of the most important factors determining productivity gap across the EU are related to technology gap variables - R&D intensity and R&D embedded in purchased equipment and machinery - and how they interact. While the signs for both R&D and embedded R&D are as expected and our results emphasise the relevance of technology for closing the productivity gap, this is not the case with the interaction between these two variables. The estimates for the interaction terms are indeed very significant and consistently negative in three out of four sectors. This negative relationship suggests that there is no complementarity between these two modes of technology acquisition - R&D and embedded R&D investments - which are however each separately crucial for catching up. In policy terms, this situation suggests that there is a lack of coordination between R&D policy and technology transfer (FDI, trade and industrial policy). Given that, our results also show a widening productivity gap between the countries of the EU periphery (South and East) and the rest of the sample. |
| Keywords: | productivity, technology gap, multilevel analysis, European Union |
| JEL: | L60 O33 |
| Date: | 2019–08 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:iza:izadps:dp12542&r=all |
| By: | Axenbeck, Janna |
| Abstract: | This paper investigates the effect of environmental innovations on firm profitability with respect to differences between small and medium-sized (SME) and large (LE) enterprises. Using data from the Mannheim Innovation Panel (MIP) 2015, results show that, in general, SME benefit more from environmental innovations than LE. This effect is particularly strong for resource efficiency-improving innovations induced by regulation. These environmental innovations are significantly related to an increase in profits of SME, whilst related to a decrease in profits of LE. A robustness check with data from the MIP 2009, however, does not confirm this result as the effect for LE is insignificant and differences between the two groups cannot be found in this survey wave. A reason why negative effects for LE are observed in the MIP 2015 - but not in the MIP 2009 - might be that most LE had already exploited the potentials of environmental innovations when they were surveyed in the MIP 2015. This is supported by evidence suggesting that size-related differences in the MIP 2015 are driven by a negative relationship between LE's profits and environmental innovations related to externalities that were reduced by innovations in periods before. |
| Keywords: | Firm Behavior,Firm Size,Porter hypothesis,Environmental Technology Adaption,Technological Innovation,Environmental Regulation |
| JEL: | D22 L25 Q52 Q55 Q58 |
| Date: | 2019 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:zbw:zewdip:19033&r=all |
| By: | de Grip, Andries (Research Centre for Educ and Labour Mark); Pleijers, Astrid (cbs statistics netherlands, heerlen) |
| Abstract: | Although workshop attendance appears to be as high as participation in training, this paper is the first study in the educational science, human resource management and labour economics literature that explores the drivers of workshop attendance among the working population. In our analysis of the Dutch Adult Education Survey, we find that workshop attendance is highest among managers and professionals, in contrast to their participation in training. These results confirm our expectation that workshop attendance is important in acquiring state-of-the art knowledge on external developments as a dominant source of competitive advantage for the organization. Furthermore, workshop attendance is positively related to individuals’ level of education. Particularly in workers’ mid-career years, attending workshops appears to be an important mode of learning: Workshop attendance is peaking at the age of 47. Moreover, we find that workshop attendance is complementary to training participation instead of a substitute. Our results show that there are interesting differences between the drivers of workshop attendance and those of participation in training and informal learning. |
| Keywords: | workshops, training, informal learning, work-related learning, human resource development, absorptive capacity, human capital theory |
| Date: | 2019–09–02 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:unm:umagsb:2019024&r=all |
| By: | de Grip, Andries (Research Centre for Educ and Labour Mark); Pleijers, Astrid (cbs statistics netherlands, heerlen) |
| Abstract: | Although workshop attendance appears to be as high as participation in training, this paper is the first study in the educational science, human resource management and labour economics literature that explores the drivers of workshop attendance among the working population. In our analysis of the Dutch Adult Education Survey, we find that workshop attendance is highest among managers and professionals, in contrast to their participation in training. These results confirm our expectation that workshop attendance is important in acquiring state-of-the art knowledge on external developments as a dominant source of competitive advantage for the organization. Furthermore, workshop attendance is positively related to individuals’ level of education. Particularly in workers’ mid-career years, attending workshops appears to be an important mode of learning: Workshop attendance is peaking at the age of 47. Moreover, we find that workshop attendance is complementary to training participation instead of a substitute. Our results show that there are interesting differences between the drivers of workshop attendance and those of participation in training and informal learning. |
| Keywords: | workshops, training, informal learning, work-related learning, human resource development, absorptive capacity, human capital theory |
| Date: | 2019 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:unm:umaror:2019007&r=all |
| By: | Manveen Singh (Jindal Global Law School, O.P. Jindal Global University) |
| Abstract: | Standards and standards-setting organizations (SSOs) have played a crucial role in shaping the innovation landscape for over three decades, especially in the information and communication technologies (ICT) sector. The advancement in mobile telecommunication and the Internet has led to a fundamental change in the way individuals communicate with each other. Devices such as smartphones, tablets, laptops and smart watches bear complex mechanical and technological features and perform multiple functionalities by connecting seamlessly. However, in order for the interoperability of these devices and their functionalities to come through, there is a requirement of a common set of specifications and interfaces, in the form of standards. Standards are widely acknowledged to be the mainstay of modern economy and can lead to an increase in the value of consumer products, as well as increased rates of innovation. The setting of standards and commercializing of innovation at large is facilitated by voluntary associations called SSOs. Competing firms come together under the auspices of SSOs to collaboratively select and adopt uniform technical standards. It is worth noting that the benefits brought about by these standards have a greater visibility in the ICT sector, primarily on account of two reasons. First, in order to make complex technologies work, there is a requirement of hundreds of thousands of patents. Second, there is a strong need for devices and networks to interoperate in the ICT sector, which makes it absolutely necessary to develop common technical standards.SSOs are further tasked with the responsibility of fostering a regime of rapid technological innovation by balancing the interests of their members; their membership comprising of patent owners or standard essential patent (SEP) holders on one hand and implementers or licensees on the other. While the patent owners are involved in research and development (R&D) and look to maximize their earnings from licensing out their SEPs, the implementers look to seek licenses from SEP holders on terms that are fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory (FRAND), in order to use the patented technology in the manufacturing of standard-compliant end-use products. There is yet, a third category of member companies that are vertically integrated and besides owning SEPs, also operate actively in the downstream market. As members of SSOs, these firms compete in the market on both, horizontal and vertical levels, which gives rise to a possible likelihood of collusion albeit theoretically. It is because of this aspect of standard-setting, that the role of SSOs becomes extremely important.A pertinent question that arises then is, what are SSOs and how do they function? Furthermore, what is the legality of SSOs and how have they helped in the evolution of industry standards? In an attempt to answer the aforementioned questions, the focus of this paper shall center around standardization and standard-setting organizations, while tracing the evolution of standards and standard-setting activities in the ICT sector. |
| Keywords: | Standards, standardization, SSO, patents, SEP, technology |
| JEL: | O30 |
| Date: | 2019–07 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:sek:iacpro:9210815&r=all |
| By: | Natalia Davidson (Graduate School of Economics and Management, Ural Federal University); Oleg Mariev (Graduate School of Economics and Management, Ural Federal University) |
| Abstract: | This paper studies determinants of enterprise location decisions in Russia, such as agglomeration levels, home market potential, transport infrastructure and institutional environment. Results confirm that agglomeration levels and home market potential affect foreign firms? location choice and probability that national firms will work in a city. Urbanization economies and home market potential positively affect location choice; localization economies have an inverted U shape. Estimation shows that foreign enterprises are interested in large demand. Under assumption that there are more innovations in diversified cities and cities with favourable business climate, strategic asset seeking might be present. The study confirms negative impact of regional business environment risks on foreign firms? location choice. Results will be useful for regional policy aimed at business development and attracting foreign direct investment. |
| Keywords: | enterprise location choice, cities, agglomeration economies, home market potential, business environment, foreign direct investment, Russia |
| JEL: | O12 R12 F21 |
| Date: | 2019–07 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:sek:iefpro:8911539&r=all |
| By: | Szilvia Andriasik |
| Abstract: | This paper looks into the kind of collaboration that exists between microfinance institutions (MFIs), ethical banks, commercial banks, and guarantee funds in terms of microfinance, and how they can have an impact on business creation within the European Union. It shows how different national legislation can affect the practice of microcredit provision as well as the institutional background, which resulted in establishing alternative banking or non-banking models such as the Growth Funding Scheme in Hungary, the institution of ethical banks and authorized MFIs in Italy, or the trust-based partnership model in Germany.Furthermore, the effective support of microenterprises has to originate from the combination of different attributes such as the support of innovative start-ups through legislative acts; creation of state-guaranteed national funds for enterprise support, usage of European funds (EaSI, ESIF, EFSI or COSME) as well as fiscal and monetary policy incentives for favourable (micro)loan provision or special capital requirements for commercial banks with SME loan lending.These multi-level partnership models as well as the legislative background including relevant European regulations and directives could be seen as the first line of defence for the microfinance sector, decreasing the potential risks which form internationally against the effectiveness of microfinance, such as the potential indebtedness of the borrowers or high interest rates. In addition, those multi-level partnerships between institutions, MFIs, commercial banks on national and supranational level as well as the optimal usage of EU funds can result in a higher efficiency in the field of microfinance which can contribute to the establishment of start-ups or even family businesses and better access to finance in the initial phase of a young enterprise.Finally, the research intends to contribute to awareness-raising among commercial banks, encouraging them to add microfinance to their lending portfolio for instance as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility, sign further guarantee agreements with the relevant European funds or enter into partnership with authorized MFIs.The research focuses mainly on country-specific examples of different partnership and collaboration models which evolved in Italy, Germany, Austria and Hungary as different legislation and different institutional background triggered diverse microfinance models (e.g.: Growth Funding Scheme in Hungary; the institution of ethical banks and authorized microfinance institutions (MFIs) in Italy; the trust-based partnership model in Germany or collaboration between ERSTE Bank Austria and EaSI) and can be therefore used for a comparative research. |
| Keywords: | Banks, Guarantee, Microfinance, Microfinance in Europe, Microfinance Institutions, Partnership |
| Date: | 2019 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:rem:wpaper:1344&r=all |
| By: | Fassio, Claudio; Geuna, Aldo; Rossi, Federica (University of Turin) |
| Abstract: | We investigate the determinants of industry researchers’ interactions with universities in different localities, distinguishing between local and international universities. We analyze the extent to which local and international interactions are enabled by different types of individual personal networks (education, career based), and by their access to different business networks through their employer companies (local vs. domestic or international multinational company networks). We control for selection bias and numerous other individual and firm-level factors identified in the literature as important determinants of interaction with universities. Our findings suggest that industry researchers’ personal networks play a greater role in promoting interactions with local universities (i.e. in the same region, and other regions in the same country) while researcher employment in a multinational is especially important for establishing interaction with universities abroad. |
| Date: | 2019–07 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:uto:dipeco:201917&r=all |
| By: | Lawson, Cornelia; Geuna, Aldo; Finardi, Ugo (University of Turin) |
| Abstract: | This paper contributes to the literature on the individual and institutional factors explaining academic scientific productivity. On the basis of very detailed information for a sample of 262 academics at the University of Turin over a ten year period, we develop a robust new model to assess the impact of funding on productivity, controlling for gender and family related characteristics less frequently examined in the literature. Using a Two-Stage Least Square (2SLS) model in which we control for endogeneity of career progress and instrument national competitive funding with socio-political capital measure, we find that funding is no longer associated to higher research productivity. In the impact-quality estimation models, we find a “fatherhood bonus” and a “motherhood penalty” for having young children. In robustness checks we provide evidence of a causal effect of the latter, although it is possible that men have children once they are established on a high performance path. As in the previous literature, we find that after controlling for children, female researchers are less productive in terms of publications, but not in terms of research quality/impact. |
| Date: | 2019–06 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:uto:dipeco:201913&r=all |
| By: | Fethi Amri (University of Carthage, Faculty of Economics and Management of Nabeul) |
| Abstract: | This study examines the relationship between innovation and environmental sustainability in Tunisia over the 1971-2014 period. For this reason, the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) with break-point method and the Granger causality tests are performed. In the current study, the total patent is considered as a measure of innovation. Our outcome goes in the direction of non-acceptance of the Kuznets hypothesis. In addition, the impact of energy consumption on CO2 emissions is positive. Moreover, even if the effect of technological innovation is directly insignificant, it indirectly contributes to lessen the effect of energy consumption. Furthermore, in the long and short terms, there are feedback links between economic growth and energy consumption, between pollution and both economic growth and energy consumption. In the long and short runs, there is also a one-way impact going from technological innovation variable to energy consumption one while there is no causality between technological innovation on the one hand and economic growth and CO2 emissions on the other hand. Consequently, policy makers should stimulate innovatively and enhance technologic capacity in Tunisia. |
| Date: | 2019–08–21 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:erg:wpaper:1323&r=all |
| By: | Andrea Bonaccorsi; Daniele Biancardi; Mabel Sanchez Barrioluengo; Federico Biagi (European Commission - JRC) |
| Abstract: | In this report we first carry out an extensive survey of the literature that is relevant for the analysis of the regional impact of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). Based on the literature we specify some broad research questions and we develop a battery of testable hypotheses. We then present the details of the data used in the empirical analysis. Summary statistics for the available datasets and a preliminary discussion of the econometric approach are also presented. In the second part of the Report we describe the structure of models and show the findings of several alternative specifications. We discuss the main results and illustrate further opportunities for research and policy making. |
| Keywords: | Regional development, Higher education Institutions, ETER data |
| Date: | 2019–08 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ipt:iptwpa:jrc117272&r=all |
| By: | Hundera, Mulu (Tilburg University, School of Economics and Management) |
| Abstract: | This dissertation shed light on the various issues related to role conflict, coping strategies and the success of female entrepreneurs in SSA. It did so by conducting four studies. The studies show that the female entrepreneurs experience role conflict in balancing social role expectations and entrepreneurial role demands. They cope with the role conflicts in various ways, which depend on the level of role conflict, stage of business where they are active and personal resources available. The coping strategies were also found to affect the female entrepreneurs’ success in business. Finally, the researcher recommends responsiveness to the issue of role conflict, particularly from gender stereotypic social role expectations. This can be done during the provision of business development services are provided to effectively empower women economically. |
| Date: | 2019 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:tiu:tiutis:3e263b0c-3bf3-474a-8a20-b64453c50b32&r=all |
| By: | Höhler, Julia; Kühl, Rainer |
| Abstract: | A realized strategy can be understood as the sum of a company’s strategic actions over time. This concept of strategy is difficult to grasp empirically. However, the content analysis enables a systematic, dynamic, and theoretically sound recording of realized strategies. To demonstrate the potential of the method in capturing strategies, we encode 4,158 pieces of information about strategic actions of ten European dairy companies in the German market for over 11 years. Based on this, we suggest a mixed methods approach to learn more about the individual companies’ competitive moves and their realized strategies. The companies investigated differ in their adaptation to changing environmental conditions and in particular in their brand policy. Our approach can be applied to many questions in strategy research and promises new insights into the strategies of companies in the food industry. |
| Keywords: | Industrial Organization, Livestock Production/Industries, Research Methods/ Statistical Methods |
| Date: | 2019–08–26 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:gewi19:292284&r=all |
| By: | Leal, Mariel; Garcia, Arturo; Lee, Sang-Ho |
| Abstract: | This study considers a duopoly model in which both a consumer-friendly (CF) firm and a for-profit (FP) firm undertake cost-reducing R&D investments in an endogenous R\&D timing game and then play Cournot output competition. When the CF firm chooses its profit-oriented consumer-friendliness, we show that the consumer-friendliness is non-monotone in spillovers under both simultaneous-move and sequential-move with FP firm’s leadership while it is decreasing under sequential-move with CF firm’s leadership. We also show that a simultaneous-move outcome is a unique equilibrium when the spillovers are low and the CF firm invests higher R&D and obtains higher profits. When the spillovers are not low, two sequential-move outcomes appear and the CF firm might obtain lower profits with higher spillovers under the CF firm leadership. |
| Keywords: | simultaneous R&D decisions; sequential R&D decisions; consumer-friendly firm; R&D spillovers |
| JEL: | L21 M21 O32 |
| Date: | 2019–08 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pra:mprapa:95642&r=all |