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on Economics of Strategic Management |
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Issue of 2025–01–27
nine papers chosen by João José de Matos Ferreira, Universidade da Beira Interior |
| By: | Oscar Csibi (GRM - Groupe de Recherche en Management - EA 4711 - UNS - Université Nice Sophia Antipolis (1965 - 2019) - UniCA - Université Côte d'Azur) |
| Abstract: | The research is motivated by the need to understand how sustainable entrepreneurship (SE) behaviors and practices influence the internationalization strategies and outcomes of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Sustainability has become a significant topic in business research, especially with the recognition of the triple bottom line (TBL) concept, which integrates environmental, social, and economic aspects in business practices (Casado-Belmonte et al., 2020). SE merges these sustainability goals with entrepreneurial activities, emphasizing ecological and social responsibilities alongside economic growth (Isaak, 2002; Shepherd & Patzelt, 2011). A crucial area for future research involves the relationship between SMEs and sustainability (Sanders, 2022). Research has shown that the values of owners, directors, and employees in German Mittelstand companies often differ from those in other firms, showing a stronger commitment to sustainability (De Massis et al., 2018). It remains uncertain if these differences extend more broadly to SMEs. Locally embedded SMEs and family businesses, with their intergenerational planning horizons, long-term orientation, and high levels of social responsibility, may be uniquely positioned to tackle today's significant challenges. This potential sustainability advantage underscores the importance of exploring how these firms can integrate sustainability into their global strategies to achieve competitive advantage and address socio-environmental issues. This study aims to explore this intersection to uncover how SMEs can incorporate sustainability into their international strategies to achieve competitive advantage and address socio-environmental challenges? This research will investigate the mechanisms through which SE practices affect the internationalization of SMEs by focusing on the pivotal role of social networks. Social networks are instrumental in providing SMEs with critical resources, building trust, enhancing knowledge, and developing capabilities necessary for successful international ventures (Han et al., 2024). The study will delve into how these networks facilitate market choice, entry mode, and performance, influencing the overall internationalization process of SMEs. Understanding the interplay between SE and internationalization is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, SMEs make up a significant portion of global business, accounting for 90% of companies and over half of global employment (Audretsch & Guenther, 2023). Despite their prevalence, the success of SMEs is not guaranteed; their performance varies widely based on contextual factors and their ability to innovate and internationalize. SE offers a pathway for SMEs to enhance their competitiveness by integrating sustainability into their core strategies, addressing both market demands and global sustainability challenges (Shepherd & Patzelt, 2011; Hull et al., 2007). Secondly, the role of social networks in facilitating internationalization is pivotal. Social networks provide SMEs with critical resources, build trust, enhance knowledge, and develop capabilities needed for successful international ventures (Han et al., 2024). These networks help SMEs navigate the complexities of foreign markets, from initial entry to post-entry operations, by leveraging interorganizational collaborations and personal relationships (Lindstrand & Hånell, 2017; Zahoor & Al- Tabbaa, 2021). Recent research has extended the examination of social networks from organizational to individual and national levels, revealing their profound impact on market choice, entry mode, internationalization degree, and performance (Han et al., 2024). Moreover, collaborative innovation strategies, as highlighted by Audretsch and Guenther (2023), enable SMEs to overcome resource constraints associated with their smaller size. Engaging in inter-organizational collaborations (IOC) is a critical strategy for SMEs to access new markets, share resources, and foster innovation, which are essential for successful internationalization. Given the global push for sustainable development, there is a pressing need to understand how SE can be leveraged for international growth. Internationalization offers a viable pathway for sustainable businesses to scale their impact and reach. Historically, research on internationalization has focused on traditional entrepreneurial ventures that prioritize economic gains. However, the integration of sustainability into international business strategies remains underexplored, creating a significant research gap (Zolfaghari Ejlal Manesh & Rialp-Criado, 2019). Moreover, the success of SMEs in the global market can contribute significantly to global economic stability and growth. SMEs are identified as engines of internationalization, contributing substantially to global economic activity (Del Sarto et al., 2021). Innovative and internationalized SMEs tend to be concentrated in specific spatial and institutional contexts, highlighting the importance of local ecosystems in supporting these activities (Guenther et al., 2022). |
| Keywords: | Sustainable Entrepreneurship, SMEs' internationalization, Sustainability |
| Date: | 2024–08–14 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hal:journl:hal-04812579 |
| By: | Lars Van Cutsem; Marleen Willekens; Koenraad Debackere |
| Abstract: | In this study, we leverage the Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) valuation methodology to reexamine how innovation links to economic value estimates of firms, and how size moderates this relationship. As DCF valuation can be applied to a complete spectrum of firm sizes, ranging from small privately-held to large publicly-listed firms, our study provides more exhaustive evidence on the link between innovation and economic firm value across for all types of firms. This contrasts prior studies that typically draw inferences based on market valuations of publicly listed firms. We show that innovation is positively and statistically significantly related to the economic value in both large and small firms, and that firm size negatively moderates this link. Notably, innovation is more substantially linked to the economic value estimates of small firms than larger ones. These findings are robust to various controls, alternative operationalisations, including survey-reported innovation in the Community Innovation Survey (CIS), and a battery of robustness tests for the DCF valuation approach. |
| Date: | 2024 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ete:afiper:742970 |
| By: | Oscar Csibi (GRM - Groupe de Recherche en Management - EA 4711 - UNS - Université Nice Sophia Antipolis (1965 - 2019) - UniCA - Université Côte d'Azur) |
| Abstract: | This research investigates how French small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) incorporate sustainability, particularly circular economy practices, into their internationalization strategies. As sustainability has become a prominent theme in business research, the triple bottom line (TBL) concept, integrating environmental, social, and economic dimensions, has gained recognition for reshaping business practices (Casado-Belmonte et al., 2020). In a context of escalating environmental crisis and growing global commitments to sustainable development, such as the Green Pact for Europe and the United Nations Agenda SDGs 2030, adopting circular economy principles is becoming vital for SMEs. Practices like energy efficiency, material recycling, and reducing carbon footprints hold immense potential to improve the sustainability performance of SMEs (Dey et al., 2022). However, Moursellas et al. (2023) highlight the varying adoption of these practices across regions, industries, and company sizes, revealing the persistent challenges SMEs face, particularly regarding resource limitations and operational capacity.Achieving sustainable development necessitates a fundamental shift in strategy and operations, moving away from linear economic models (Dominguez, 2023). With the global momentum toward sustainable development, it is essential to understand how SMEs can leverage sustainability for international growth (Horne & Fichter, 2022). Internationalization presents a viable avenue for scaling the impact of sustainable businesses. Denicolai et al. (2021) argue that sustainability practices enhance international competitiveness and performance, while other studies suggest that CSR-driven internationalization offers distinct advantages for SMEs, such as ethical branding and smoother market entry (Colovic & Henneron, 2019; Sinkovics et al., 2021). Historically, research on internationalization has largely focused on firms driven by economic gains, leaving a gap in understanding how sustainability integrates into SMEs' international strategies (Coldwell et al., 2022; Zolfaghari Ejlal Manesh & Rialp-Criado, 2019). Exploring the intersection between sustainability practices and SMEs' internationalization is critical, given that SMEs account for 90% of global businesses and over half of global employment (Audretsch & Guenther, 2023). However, their success is far from guaranteed, as performance varies widely based on factors such as innovation capacity and international reach. Sustainable entrepreneurial firms, in particular, face unique challenges as they navigate varying regulatory landscapes, manage cross-cultural differences, and align sustainability objectives with international business strategies (Casado-Belmonte et al., 2020). Incorporating sustainability into core strategies might offers SMEs a pathway to enhance competitiveness by addressing both market demands and global environmental challenges (Ghauri et al., 2023) In summary, this research aims to uncover how French SMEs manage the complexities of integrating sustainability into their international growth strategies, especially when confronting significant socio-environmental challenges across diverse contexts and involving multiple stakeholders. It examines the strategic approaches SMEs use to implement circular economy practices internationally, focusing on market entry modes, global supply chain integration, and how these strategies contribute to enhanced sustainability performance (de Jesus et al., 2018; Kirchherr et al., 2018; Re & Magnani, 2022). |
| Keywords: | Internationalization strategies, International expansion strategies, Sustainability strategies, Sustainable SMEs, International SMEs |
| Date: | 2024–11–22 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hal:journl:hal-04812567 |
| By: | Mohammed Khaouja (LRMD FEG Settat - Laboratoire de Recherche en Management et Développement - Faculté des Sciences Economiques et de Gestion) |
| Abstract: | Knowledge management (KM) represents an essential strategic tool that allows companies to cultivate and use knowledge to improve their competitiveness and foster innovation. In a context of intense market competition, innovation proves to be an essential element that allows organizations to distinguish themselves from their competitors. The availability and sharing of knowledge are considered essential elements for improving the capacity for innovation. This research analyzes the impact of knowledge management on the innovation process, based on a case study conducted from 2019 to 2020 with managers operating in the telecommunications sector in Morocco. A bibliographic analysis has defined the concepts of knowledge management and innovation, and the results highlight a positive and significant correlation between knowledge management and the increase in innovation capacity. Keywords: Knowledge management, telecommunications operator, innovation; JEL Classification: O3 Paper Type: Empirical Research |
| Abstract: | La gestion des connaissances (GC) représente un outil stratégique essentiel qui permet aux entreprises de cultiver et d'utiliser des connaissances afin d'améliorer leur compétitivité et de favoriser l'innovation. Dans un contexte de concurrence intense sur le marché, l'innovation se révèle être un élément essentiel permettant aux organisations de se distinguer de leurs concurrents. La disponibilité et le partage des connaissances sont considérés comme des éléments essentiels pour améliorer la capacité d'innovation. Cette recherche analyse l'incidence de la gestion des connaissances sur le processus d'innovation, en se basant sur une étude de cas réalisée de 2019 à 2020 auprès des managers opérants dans le domaine des télécommunications au Maroc. Une analyse bibliographique a permis de définir les concepts de gestion des connaissances et d'innovation, et les résultats mettent en évidence une corrélation positive et significative entre la gestion des connaissances et l'augmentation de la capacité d'innovation. Mots-clés : Gestion des connaissances, opérateur de télécommunications, innovation ; JEL Classification : O3 Type du papier : Recherche empirique |
| Keywords: | Gestion des connaissances, opérateur de télécommunications, innovation, telecommunications operator |
| Date: | 2024–12–02 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hal:journl:hal-04825776 |
| By: | Aidan Toner-Rodgers |
| Abstract: | This paper studies the impact of artificial intelligence on innovation, exploiting the randomized introduction of a new materials discovery technology to 1, 018 scientists in the R&D lab of a large U.S. firm. AI-assisted researchers discover 44% more materials, resulting in a 39% increase in patent filings and a 17% rise in downstream product innovation. These compounds possess more novel chemical structures and lead to more radical inventions. However, the technology has strikingly disparate effects across the productivity distribution: while the bottom third of scientists see little benefit, the output of top researchers nearly doubles. Investigating the mechanisms behind these results, I show that AI automates 57% of "idea-generation" tasks, reallocating researchers to the new task of evaluating model-produced candidate materials. Top scientists leverage their domain knowledge to prioritize promising AI suggestions, while others waste significant resources testing false positives. Together, these findings demonstrate the potential of AI-augmented research and highlight the complementarity between algorithms and expertise in the innovative process. Survey evidence reveals that these gains come at a cost, however, as 82% of scientists report reduced satisfaction with their work due to decreased creativity and skill underutilization. |
| Date: | 2024–12 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:arx:papers:2412.17866 |
| By: | Ferrazzi, Matteo; Schanz, Jochen; Wolski, Marcin |
| Abstract: | This paper examines the state of innovation in Central, Eastern, and South-Eastern EU countries. Despite increased innovation capacity, the region faces significant challenges threatening its growth and competitiveness, including severe skills shortages, uneven productivity, and barriers to commercialising innovation. The paper highlights the role of foreign direct investment in driving innovation, noting that firms established through greenfield investments exhibit higher productivity than their domestic counterparts. Contributing to the skills shortage are low public R&D spending, insufficient corporate investment in continuing education, and emigration. Limited collaboration between universities and businesses and a shortage of risk capital are key obstacles to bringing innovative ideas to market. To address these challenges, the paper recommends various measures to improve the availability of skilled labour, secure risk capital, foster collaboration between academia and industry, and enhance the overall business environment. Dashboards illustrate how innovation capacity and outcomes vary between CESEE countries, combining data from the EIB's Investment Survey with a range of firm-level public and private datasets. |
| Keywords: | Innovation, competitiveness, EU-CESEE, CESEE, central, eastern and south-eastern Europe, economic growth, EU accession |
| JEL: | O11 O52 |
| Date: | 2025 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:zbw:eibwps:308812 |
| By: | Koski, Heli; Wang, Maria |
| Abstract: | Abstract This study evaluates the impacts of public subsidies on firms in energy-intensive industries, focusing on R&D subsidies and compensation subsidies. Using firm-level data from Finnish energy-intensive industries between 2010 and 2022, it examines how these subsidies influence firm competitiveness and innovation outcomes. Compensation subsidies, designed to alleviate the additional electricity costs imposed by the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) on firms operating in certain energy-intensive industries, and to enhance their international competitiveness show no significant effects on employment, value added, or labor productivity. R&D subsidies, instead, demonstrate a substantial positive impact on innovation. Specifically, R&D subsidies significantly increase the citation stocks of climate change mitigation technology patents filed with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Total patent citation stocks associated with the European Patent Office (EPO) and USPTO also show statistically significant growth. |
| Keywords: | Firm subsidy, R&D subsidies, EU ETS, Competitiveness, Green innovation, Patents |
| JEL: | D22 H23 L52 O3 Q58 |
| Date: | 2025–01–20 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:rif:wpaper:125 |
| By: | David d'Acunto; Raffaele Filieri (Audencia Business School); Stefano Amato (Alta Scuola Politecnica) |
| Abstract: | Consumers are increasingly concerned about sustainable development. This study investigates the impact of environmentally-framed reviews on review rating scores considering the moderation of the reviewer's country's environmental performance. We use ordered logistic and linear regression analysis on a dataset of 45k TripAdvisor reviews of green hotels posted by reviewers from 150 countries. The findings reveal that environmentally-framed reviews are associated with higher rating scores, and the reviewer's country's environmental performance positively moderates this impact. This indicates that the environmental ranking of the reviewer's country of origin influences environmentally-framed eWOM about green and non-green services. |
| Keywords: | environmentally-framed reviews rating score electronic word-of-mouth country environmental performance environmental performance index green hotels big data analytics, environmentally-framed reviews, rating score, electronic word-of-mouth, country environmental performance, environmental performance index, green hotels, big data analytics, Environmentally-framed reviews, Rating score, Electronic word-of-mouth, Country environmental performance, Environmental performance index, Green hotels, Big data analytics |
| Date: | 2023–05 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hal:journl:hal-04781820 |
| By: | Graham D Wright; Kerry A Thompson; Yara Reis (University of Turku); Johanna Bischof (University of Turku); Philip Edward Hockberger; Michelle S Itano; Lisa Yen; Stephen Taiye Adelodun; Nikki Bialy; Claire M Brown (LEIBNIZ UNIVERSIT - Partenaires IRSTEA - IRSTEA - Institut national de recherche en sciences et technologies pour l'environnement et l'agriculture); Linda Chaabane; Teng‐leong Chew; Andrew I Chitty; Fabrice P Cordelières (BIC - Bordeaux Imaging Center - UB - Université de Bordeaux - Institut François Magendie - INSERM - Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique); Mariana de Niz (ULISBOA - Universidade de Lisboa = University of Lisbon = Université de Lisbonne); Jan Ellenberg (EMBL - European Molecular Biology Laboratory [Heidelberg]); Lize Engelbrecht; Eunice Fabian-Morales; Elnaz Fazeli (TKK - TKK Helsinki University of Technology); Julia Fernandez-Rodriguez (Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg [Göteborg]); Elisa Ferrando-May; Georgina Fletcher; Graham John Galloway; Adan Guerrero; Jander Matos Guimarães; Caron A Jacobs (Laboratory for Molecular Cell Biology - UCL - University College of London [London]); Sachintha Jayasinghe; Eleanor Kable; Gregory T Kitten; Shinya Komoto; Xiaoxiao Ma; Jéssica Araújo Marques; Bryan A Millis; Kildare Miranda; Peter Johno'Toole; Sunday Yinka Olatunji; Federica Paina; Cora Noemi Pollak; Clara Prats; Joanna W Pylvänäinen; Mai Atef Rahmoon; Michael A Reiche; James Douglas Riches; Andres Hugo Rossi; Jean Salamero (Biologie Cellulaire et Cancer - Institut Curie [Paris] - SU - Sorbonne Université - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique); Caroline Thiriet; Stefan Terjung; Aldenora dos Santos Vasconcelos; Antje Keppler |
| Abstract: | In the dynamic landscape of scientific research, imaging core facilities are vital hubs propelling collaboration and innovation at the technology development and dissemination frontier. Here, we present a collaborative effort led by Global BioImaging (GBI), introducing international recommendations geared towards elevating the careers of Imaging Scientists in core facilities. Despite the critical role of Imaging Scientists in modern research ecosystems, challenges persist in recognising their value, aligning performance metrics and providing avenues for career progression and job security. The challenges encompass a mismatch between classic academic career paths and service-oriented roles, resulting in a lack of understanding regarding the value and impact of Imaging Scientists and core facilities and how to evaluate them properly. They further include challenges around sustainability, dedicated training opportunities and the recruitment and retention of talent. Structured across these interrelated sections, the recommendations within this publication aim to propose globally applicable solutions to navigate these challenges. These recommendations apply equally to colleagues working in other core facilities and research institutions through which access to technologies is facilitated and supported. This publication emphasises the pivotal role of Imaging Scientists in advancing research programs and presents a blueprint for fostering their career progression within institutions all around the world. |
| Keywords: | career path, collaboration, core facilities, Global BioImaging, global survey, Imaging Scientist, innovation, professional development |
| Date: | 2024 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hal:journl:hal-04803509 |