|
on Economics of Strategic Management |
|
Issue of 2025–06–23
nine papers chosen by João José de Matos Ferreira, Universidade da Beira Interior |
| By: | Lorena M. D’Agostino (University of Milano-Bicocca, Italy.); Rosina Moreno (AQR-IREA, Universitat de Barcelona, Spain.); Damián Tojeiro-Rivero (ESADE-University Ramon Llull, Spain.) |
| Abstract: | Taking the long-established evidence on knowledge spillovers that states that part of the new created knowledge spills over to other firms mostly located in the physical proximity, we aim at providing evidence on the role of green knowledge spillovers on firms’ innovation. We posit that in addition to internal factors, firm innovation is determined by external regional factors, among which we specifically focus on the spillovers generated by environmental EU-funded research at the regional level. The results indicate that the presence of partners engaged in EU-environmental projects in a region has a positive and significant effect on process innovation. |
| Keywords: | innovation; environment; EU-funded research; Framework Programme; region; firm. JEL classification: R11, O31, O44. |
| Date: | 2024–02 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ira:wpaper:202423 |
| By: | Chen, Xiaodong; Lei, Haidong; Wang, Chaowei (Loughborough Business School); Zhou, Peng (Cardiff Business School, Cardiff University) |
| Abstract: | This research aims to investigate the causal relationships among collaborative innovation, R&D human capital, and sustainable innovation, with a focus on the mediating role of R&D human capital. Design/methodology/approach – Using data from Chinese A-share listed companies (2009–2022), we first establish a strong causal link between collaborative innovation and sustainable innovation. We then uncover a masking effect of R&D human capital in this relationship. Grouped and quantile regressions explore how this effect varies by cooperation type, firm size, and industry. Findings – Collaborative innovation promotes sustainable innovation through R&D human capital, although this effect is slightly dampened by a masking mechanism. The positive effect is significant in inter-firm collaborations but not in industry-university partnerships, and it is more pronounced for firms with lower R&D levels. Practical implications – Firms may benefit from HR sharing. Policymakers should support HR integration to improve innovation quality and sustainability. Originality/value – This is the first study to highlight the mediating role of R&D human capital in linking collaborative innovation to sustainability. We show that excessive focus on output quantity may hinder sustainable progress. |
| Keywords: | open innovation; R&D human capital; sustainable innovation; mediation effect; industry-university-research |
| JEL: | O32 |
| Date: | 2025–05 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:cdf:wpaper:2025/12 |
| By: | Damián Tojeiro-Rivero (Employment observatory, Department of Economics, University Rovira i Virgili, Spain.); Rosina Moreno (AQR-IREA Research Group, Department of Econometrics, Statistics and Applied Economics, Universitat de Barcelona, Spain.) |
| Abstract: | Prior literature has argued that, although both captive knowledge sourcing (CKS) and non-captive knowledge sourcing (NCKS) are effective strategies for enhancing firm innovativeness, the former plays a more defined role in determining the likelihood of a firm achieving product innovations. However, we contend that the focus should not only be on the decision to innovate but, more importantly, on the profitability firms derive from such innovations. Given that knowledge acquired from external sources can provide firms with ideas that differ from their existing competencies, NCKS may be more advantageous, as the resulting innovations are likely to exhibit higher levels of novelty. Additionally, we examine the complementarity or substitutability between CKS and NCKS in driving innovation. Our findings for Spanish firms suggest that NCKS yields greater benefits than CKS. Moreover, adopting both strategies simultaneously does not result in higher benefits; instead, a minimum threshold of NCKS, above the median, is necessary to realize observable gains. This indicates that firms must demonstrate a substantial level of commitment to NCKS to effectively exploit its potential for generating returns from their most novel innovations. |
| Keywords: | Radical Innovation, Captive Knowledge Sourcing; Non-Captive Knowledge Sourcing; Spanish firms; Panel data; Complementarity/Substitutability. JEL classification: |
| Date: | 2025–01 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ira:wpaper:202508 |
| By: | Alessia Matano (Dipartimento di Economia e Diritto, Università di Roma “La Sapienza”, Italy. AQR-IREA, Universitat de Barcelona, Spain.); Paolo Naticchioni (Roma Tre University and IZA, Italy.) |
| Abstract: | This paper investigates the relationship between China’s import competition and the innovation strategies of domestic firms. Using firm level data from Italy spanning 2005-2010 and employing IV fixed effects estimation techniques, we find that the impact of China’s import competition on innovation varies depending on the type of goods imported (intermediate vs. final). Specifically, imports of final goods boost both product and process innovation, while imports of intermediate goods reduce both. Additionally, we extend the analysis to consider the role of unions in moderating these responses. We find that, in unionized firms, imports' impact on innovation is mitigated, specifically to protect workers' employment prospects. |
| Keywords: | China’s Import Competition; Final and Intermediate Goods; Product and Process Innovation; Unions; IV Fixed effects estimations. JEL classification: C33, L25, F14, F60, O30, J50. |
| Date: | 2025–01 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ira:wpaper:202502 |
| By: | Giuseppe Berlingieri; Maarten De Ridder; Danial Lashkari; Davide Rigo |
| Abstract: | In theories of creative destruction, product innovation is a key driver of aggregate growth. In this paper, we confront the predictions of these theories about product dynamics with empirical patterns in product-level data on the near-universe of French manufacturing firms. We find that the process of product innovation frequently exhibits bursts-episodes in which firms rapidly add multiple products to their portfolio. Such bursts lead to substantial shifts in revenue and explain the majority of the variance in firm-level growth. We introduce a model of firm product innovation compatible with such a process that also nests the canonical models of creative destruction. We show that innovation bursts alter the equilibrium composition of age, size, and innovation efficiency of firms, and further explain the concentration of production among superstar firms. Our model thus enables the joint study of the determinants of industry concentration and growth in a setting consistent with the empirical patterns of product dynamics. |
| Keywords: | productivity, endogenous growth, firms, innovation |
| Date: | 2025–04–29 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:cep:cepdps:dp2095 |
| By: | Laura Broccardo (UNITO - Università degli studi di Torino = University of Turin); Elisa Ballesio (UNITO - Università degli studi di Torino = University of Turin, UniCA - Université Côte d'Azur); Muhammad Zafar Yaqub (King Abdulaziz University); Amiya Kumar Mohapatra (Jaipuria Institute of Management [Lucknow]) |
| Abstract: | Purpose -This manuscript aims to focus on the evolution of management accountants' (MAs) intellectual capital (IC) through the lenses of knowledge management (KM), emphasizing their knowledge, competencies and roles in the decision-making process for organizational success. Design/methodology/approach -The authors conducted a systematic literature review, analyzing 118 articles published between 1980 and 2023 in Scopus-indexed and ABS-ranked journals. Findings -The analysis reveals that company size, country, uncertainty, sustainability and technology significantly influenced and will continue to impact MAs' IC evolution, and, consequently, KM and strategic decision-making. However, the type of organizationpublic or privatewas not found to have a significant influence. In addition, this paper profiles the evolution of MAs' skills, which nowadays range from professional to methodological to soft. Finally, the authors define four MA role categoriesscorekeeper, watchdog, business partner and hybrid. Both roles and skills turn out to be crucial to perform not only traditional accounting tasks, but also to provide support in the strategy formulation process. Practical implications -By identifying the necessary roles and skills for MAs, this manuscript assists in identifying potential gaps that may threaten organizational success. Managers could use this framework to design skills or role development programs, enhancing the competence portfolio and role tasks within their management accounting teams. Originality/value -This work bridges a critical research gap by investigating the evolving roles and skills of MAs, from 1980 to 2023, in various contexts, through the lenses of KM. It also highlights research trends and knowledge gaps in the management accounting field and provides valuable theoretical and practical implications, as well as future research directions. |
| Keywords: | Knowledge management, Management accountant, Management accounting, Controller, Skills, Role, Competencies, Business strategy, Literature review |
| Date: | 2025–03–24 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hal:journl:hal-05053274 |
| By: | Darul Wiyono; Deshinta Arrova Dewi; Ema Ambiapuri; Nur Aini Parwitasari; Deni Supardi Hambali |
| Abstract: | Purpose: This research explores the impact of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices on employee performance and well-being in private higher education institutions in Bandung, West Java. It seeks to provide insights into how effective ESG integration can enhance organizational performance and employee satisfaction. Methodology: A quantitative approach employing Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) analyzed the relationships among constructs: environmental practices, social practices, governance practices, and the dependent variable, employee performance and well-being. Data were collected from 270 respondents through stratified random sampling across various administrative roles in 138 private higher education institutions. Findings: The results showed that environmental practices positively impact employee performance and well-being, with social practices also contributing. Governance practices mediate and amplify these effects. These findings emphasize the importance of integrating sustainable practices into organizational strategies to improve employee outcomes and overall institutional performance. Originality: This study explores the impact of ESG practices on employee performance in private higher education institutions, focusing on sustainability to enhance engagement and productivity. Unlike previous research, which focused primarily on corporate sectors or public universities, it emphasizes the unique challenges of private institutions, particularly in Bandung, offering new insights into governance practices as mediators. |
| Date: | 2025–05 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:arx:papers:2505.08201 |
| By: | Tao Han (EM - EMLyon Business School); Xavier Martin |
| Abstract: | We examine how the value created by technological and marketing intangible assets in foreign direct investment (FDI) varies with board effectiveness conditions. Synthesizing internalization and agency theories, we theorize that a firm can better leverage intangibles and create value through acquisitive FDI if its board setup enables effective monitoring and advising. Empirically, we operationalize the "quad" elements of board effectiveness—independence, expertise, bandwidth, and motivation—and account for multiple selectivity related to disclosure decisions and mode choice. Analyzing 675 cross-border acquisitions by U.S. public firms (1998–2016), we quasi-replicate and extend internalization results linking intangibles with abnormal returns upon FDI announcement. Advancing internalization research through corporate governance insights, our findings show that board effectiveness moderates the value-creating effects of intangibles in multinational enterprises' foreign expansion. |
| Keywords: | board effectiveness, corporate governance, cross-border acquisitions, intangibles, internalization |
| Date: | 2025–05–09 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hal:journl:hal-05083051 |
| By: | Carolina Castaldi; Nicola Cortinovis; Milene S. Tessarin |
| Abstract: | Economic geography has offered several insights to understand the role of geography in shaping creativity, innovation and the way they are connected in space. Unfortunately, most attention has been devoted to analyzing cities and urban regions as the ideal context where creativity and innovation come together. Emerging counter-narratives are challenging this urban perspective and proposing that creativity-led innovation can also thrive in rural, often more peripheral, places. Theoretically, different arguments have been proposed, yet a clear conceptualization is lacking. We propose to link these arguments to two complementary ways in which creativity-led innovation might be at play, either as innovation in creative industries or as creative workers contributing to innovation across industries. Methodologically, most evidence comes from intriguing case studies and country-specific surveys, yet comparative quantitative evidence is missing or misleading. In this study, we propose to use trademarks as an alternative indicator to patents, better fitting creativity-led innovation. We illustrate the opportunities from our conceptualization and measurement with a comparative study of European regions. Using a database combining large scale occupational data with patent and trademark activity for the period 2011-2019, we analyze the relationship between creative occupations and innovation activity in rural regions. Our findings suggest that creativity-led innovation processes operate in rural regions but can only be uncovered when using trademarks as innovation indicators. These findings bear key policy implications, as they inform efforts towards formulating and monitoring the role of creativity and innovation for rural contexts. |
| Keywords: | creativity, innovation, regions, rural, urban, creative occupations, patents, trademarks |
| Date: | 2025–06 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:egu:wpaper:2517 |