Reverse innovation,international patenting and economic inertia: Constraints to appropriating the benefits of technological innovation

In this paper we compare the role of outward-bound international patenting in “reverse innovation” and in conventional international modes of innovation. Through analysis of panel data from 148 countries over 18 years we reveal that, while all countries may in principle appropriate economic benefits from endogenous technological innovation by increasing their level of outward-bound international patenting, the ability of a country to do so may be hampered by the pre-existing level of its economy. We classify countries in to four strategic innovation quadrants—Slow Movers, Traders, Inventors and Cosmopolitans—based on the relative change over time in their competitiveness in international patenting and their per capita wealth. The mix of wealthy countries and less wealthy countries varies greatly between quadrants, with the wealthy countries dominating the Cosmopolitans quadrant and the less wealthy countries dominating the Slow Movers quadrant. We conclude that, for lower income countries to improve their success in appropriating the benefits of reverse innovation, innovators and would-be innovators based in those countries need to develop sophistication and prowess in international patenting strategy and intellectual property management tailored to the unique conditions of each country.     

Influence of market orientation on performance: the moderating roles of customer participation breadth and depth in new product development

ABSTRACT

With a greater number of B2B firms integrating customers into the new product development (NPD) process, how to utilize customer involvement in NPD is an important decision because it may be a double-edged sword carrying both bright and dark sides. Utilizing a sample of 193 B2B firms across various industries, we validate previous research that suggests market orientation positively influences NPD performance and subsequently examine how this relationship may either be enhanced or diminished contingent upon how customers are utilized in the NPD process. The results show that the market orientation–NPD performance relationship is enhanced by having customers participate in a greater number of activities throughout NPD (customer participation breadth) and diminished when customers are involved at deeper levels (customer participation depth). This research suggests that the exact involvement of customers is a critical decision and has clear implications for the dialogues about customer involvement and management of customer relationships.     

The effect of integrated product development on efficiency and innovation

This study tested the effect of integrated product development (IPD) on the efficiency and innovation displayed in new product development (NPD) projects. IPD refers to the overlap, parallel execution, and concurrent workflow of activities. More than 600 employees from 62 R&D projects in one large hi-tech electronics organisation participated in the study. The degree to which the projects had actual IPD, innovated and worked efficiently were measured using the organisation's data collection system and questionnaires. Analysis was conducted at the project level. Seven regression models, as well as multiple comparison tests, were applied. The findings suggest that IPD is positively associated with efficiency and negatively with innovation. However, the trade-off between efficiency and innovation in NPD projects can be balanced, if the IPD level of implementation is tailored to the NPD project stages. Specifically, to successfully complete an NPD project, the emphasis in early stages must be on innovation so that it can assist teams seeking new ideas. Hence, management should implement a low level of IPD at this point. In later stages efficiency must be emphasised so it assists control, and co-ordination, and consequently, IPD should be implemented intensively.     

A quantitative investigation of the technological innovation in large construction companies

The construction industry is considered as backwards and lack of innovation. The main driving power of technological innovation in the construction industry is large construction companies. However, the driving process of technological innovation in them has not been fully investigated in previous studies. This study constructs a quantitative model to explore the technological innovation driving process of large construction companies considering the key influencing factors for technological innovation. The sample data are the 57 large construction companies selected from the world's largest construction market – China. The results show significant positive correlation between innovation input and innovation output, and between innovation output and performance. The operational capacity of the companies is positively correlated with innovation input, whilst the capital structure is negatively correlated with innovation input. The technical employees have a positive impact on the performance. The underlying reasons are discussed and suggestions are given for the construction industry to improve the technological innovation capacity of construction companies. This research contributes to the literature of construction innovation and benefits practitioners by providing a quantitative approach to demonstrate the driving power of large construction companies for technological innovation.     

The impact of social capital on mass customisation and product innovation capabilities

Social capital with customers has three dimensions: structural, relational and cognitive capital. We propose a research model on the joint effects of the three dimensions of social capital on mass customisation capability (MCC) and product innovation capability (PIC). The hypotheses are empirically tested using structural equation modelling and data collected from 276 manufacturing firms in China. The results show that the three dimensions of social capital contribute to MCC and PIC development through different mechanisms. In particular, cognitive capital has a significant impact on MCC; relational capital significantly influences PIC; and structural capital indirectly associates with both MCC and PIC. We also find that structural capital enhances both relational and cognitive capital. MCC improves PIC and fully mediates cognitive capital’s effect on PIC. The findings extend current understanding about the complex interrelationships among structural, relational and cognitive capital and how to develop MCC and PIC by investing in social capital.     

Entrepreneurial acquisitions,open innovation and UK high growth SMEs

This paper examines the dynamics of entrepreneurial acquisitions undertaken by UK high growth small and medium enterprises (SMEs). While entrepreneurial acquisitions are increasingly deployed by SMEs, little is known about their antecedents, motivational drivers and organisational outcomes. Drawing on detailed case study evidence from Scotland, the key factor found to be driving these acquisitions was the desire to augment and exploit technological complementarities between the acquiring and acquired firms. Acquisition can therefore be conceptualised as an advanced stage of the outside-in ‘open innovation’ strategies proactively used within these innovative SMEs. Firms executing this strategy typically have an acute propensity for risk, a desire for close customer engagement, effective business models and strong external orientation. The work suggests that greater attention should be paid within M&A theory to the dynamics of these types of smaller scale entrepreneurial acquisitions.     

The idiosyncrasy and dynamism of technological innovation across industries: patent citation analysis

In general, the structural and behavioral patterns of technological innovation are idiosyncratic across industrial sectors and dynamic over time. Yet, despite voluminous amounts of previous research, patterns of innovation are hard to standardize or theorize. The objectives of this article are two-fold. One is to investigate distinctive and changing patterns of technological innovation across industries and observe dynamic trends over time. The other is to identify patterns of relationships among industries and examine the roles of respective industries. To this end, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (PTO) patent database was used and patent citation analysis applied. The idiosyncratic differences among industrial sectors are highlighted, especially between conventional manufacturing sectors and science-based sectors. We also found changing trends in technological knowledge flows across industries.     

The effects of technological innovation on sustainable development and environmental degradation: Evidence from China

Despite the rapid progress of the global economy and technology's key role, severe environmental and ecological challenges must be given proper attention to advance sustainable development. This paper uses the autoregressive distributed lag method on 40 years of data to investigate the impact of technological innovation on China's sustainable development and determine the channels through which technological innovation contributes to sustainable development. Our empirical results demonstrate that technological innovation is an important driver in promoting sustainable development, revealing that innovation adds to economic growth without harmful effects on the environment. The results also indicate that financial development significantly adds to China's sustainable development through carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions reduction, and economic growth further triggers the sustainability process by reducing CO₂ emissions. The findings of this paper enhance existing theories and contribute to the progress of sustainable development in China, the novel results outlining industry development drivers could potentially be used for developing global innovation policies integration.     

试论企业技术创新的概念和举措

文章探讨两个问题：1. 企业技术创新的概念。在自主研究的基础上，借鉴其他学者的研究成果，概括了企业技术创新的7个特征，给出了一个比较科学全面的企业技术创新定义。2. 企业技术创新的举措：a. 开发新产品，概括了新产品的分类、特征和定义，新产品开发的10个小阶段，新产品的构成要素及新产品开发的一般原则；b. 采用新技术，包括创设科研机构、吸引创新型科技人才，采用新技术，创造新的国际技术标准，更新设备和工艺，推广绿色技术；c. 开辟新的市场；d. 开拓新的原料供应来源；e. 采用新的组织和管理方式。     

A methodology for identifying results and impacts in technological innovation projects

As investments in policies and projects in science, technology, and innovation (STI) grow, it becomes increasingly important to determine the benefits society receives in return for the public resources thus invested. However, existing methodologies are somewhat limited in scope as they do not possess mechanisms for correctly identifying non-measurable, indirect results and impacts. This study addresses these knowledge shortcomings, and it proposes and validates an alternative method to identify the social, environmental, and economic outcomes and indirect impacts of STI projects. Findings indicate that the proposed method helps fills the gaps in knowledge about ex-post methodologies used to evaluate indirect results and impacts in STI projects. One aspect that sets the proposed method apart from the existing approaches is that it contemplates a wide range of analytical categories of indirect impacts for assessing the effects of STI projects. The principal academic and practical contribution of this study is the development of an accessible artifact that can identify the results and indirect impacts of projects in diverse areas of STI. The study extends the understanding on the methodologies to identifying results and indirect impacts of STI projects.     

Entrepreneurial networks and open innovation: the role of strategic and embedded ties

This paper considers the open innovation paradigm in the context of entrepreneurial firms. Based on an analysis of survey data, it examines the relationship between network ties and innovation. These are considered as the strategic network ties associated with open innovation and the embedded ties associated with entrepreneurial networks. It is found that both strategic and embedded ties are significantly associated with rates of innovation for entrepreneurial firms, although for the former this relationship is driven by a minority of larger or highly innovative firms. Strategic ties are most strongly linked to product and organisational innovations, whilst process innovations are more related to embedded network ties. There is some evidence of complementarity between the two forms of network tie. It is concluded that in the entrepreneurial context, the open innovation concept should be broadened to encompass the role performed by embedded network ties.     

The intervening effect of business innovation capability on the relationship between Total Quality Management and technological innovation

The growing diffusion and acceptance in the business world of Total Quality Management (TQM) has attracted greater interest on the part of academia. Although fundamental questions focus on how the different dimensions of TQM can bring about better business performance, a more recent recurring issue pertains to the relationship between TQM and technological innovation and whether technological innovation might provide a source of competitive advantage. Unfortunately, from both theoretical and empirical perspectives, the relationship between TQM and technological innovation appears contradictory and complex. This paper argues that the relationship might be better understood from the contingent perspective of strategic management and thus proposes a multidimensional intervening variable in the relationship, called Business Innovation Capability (BIC). An empirical study of 105 Spanish industrial firms reveals that the effect of some business practices suggested by TQM on technological innovation can be better understood when BIC dimensions are taken into account.     

京沪高速铁路北京至沧州段桥梁工程施工与创新

针对京沪高速铁路北京至沧州段桥梁工程特点,重点介绍了代表性特殊结构桥梁的施工方法、区域性地面沉降地区桥梁工后沉降的控制措施,以及保证350 km/h无砟轨道高平顺性的施工技术创新措施。     

Identifying barriers to wind energy diffusion in Colombia: A function analysis of the technological innovation system and the wider context

By utilizing only half of its total technical wind energy potential, Colombia would be able to supply the entire country's demand for electricity. Yet, Colombia has an installed capacity of 19.5 MW from wind power, representing about 0.4% of the total technical potential. In this paper, the slow diffusion of wind energy in Colombia is analyzed, by evaluating the functions of the Technological Innovation System (TIS) along with the influence of the wider context (Landscape Factors). A combination of expert evaluations (structured and semi-structured interviews) and a history event analysis revealed existing weaknesses in the TIS functions and influence from the wider context (landscape level). Several factors at the landscape level were found to have a significant influence on the TIS functions for wind energy in Colombia. Policy recommendations are provided to address barriers in order to advance the diffusion of wind energy in Colombia.     

Exploring the relationship between types of family involvement and collaborative innovation in design-intensive firms: insights from two leading players in the furniture industry

ABSTRACT

Innovation in family firms has attracted considerable interest from scholars and practitioners in recent years. However, further theoretical and empirical research is needed to illuminate the intricate relationship between family involvement and innovation. This article studies the effect of different types of family involvement on the management of collaborative innovation. Based on empirical evidence from two leading Italian design-intensive firms in the furniture industry (B&B Italia and Cassina), this study illuminates how family involvement in control and management influences the way design-intensive firms collaborate with external designers to innovate their products. We use two indicators, design renewal and design identity, to capture differences in collaboration approaches through which design-intensive family firms involve external designers. Thus, our findings contribute to understanding how collaborative innovation is managed in family firms. This article also provides family firm owners and managers with insights on the forces that influence the collaborative innovation processes in design-intensive firms.     

中国海洋石油勘探开发科技创新体系建设

主要介绍了中国海洋油气勘探开发科技体系建设的背景、发展历程、建设思路、主要内容、建设特色、建设效果和带动作用。在中国海洋石油总公司(中国海油)近30年的快速发展过程中,科技创新体系一直发挥了重要的支撑和引领作用。中国海油围绕"建立与国际一流能源公司相适应的科技创新体系,支撑和引领公司高速高效可持续发展"的目标,努力建设技术创新能力和科技核心竞争力,完善科技创新组织体系、管理体系和技术体系。在实施过程中产生了许多具有"海油特色"的工作亮点,取得了科技核心竞争力与企业总体实力双提升的良好效果,支撑建立起了中国特色的现代海洋石油工业体系,为保障国家能源安全、维护海洋主权、带动国民经济发展做出了突出贡献。     

The influence of different knowledge workers on innovation strategy and product development performance in small and medium-sized enterprises

Despite significant interest on the topic of knowledge workers, the understanding of how they influence certain aspects of firm innovativeness remains limited. In particular, while different types of knowledge workers exist, their particular synergistic effects on new and improved product development within smaller firms has received less attention. Drawing on the knowledge-based view (KBV), we posit that innovation strategy plays an instrumental role in linking the effects of knowledge workers, thereby leading to greater product development outcomes from different types of knowledge workers. Moreover, some suggest that beyond a certain point, there is a diminishing return to increasing the proportion of knowledge workers in an organisation; however, the basis of this finding is within larger firms. This study investigates whether high-level (e.g. engineers and scientists) and low-level (e.g. technicians and machine operators) knowledge workers exert varying effects on performance in terms of new and improved product development. Data from 205 small and medium-sized high-tech manufacturing firms provide support that distinguishing among types of knowledge workers is important given that they impact new and improved product development differently. Furthermore, innovation strategy plays a synergistic role, positively mediating the effects of different types of knowledge workers on innovation outcomes.     

On the organizational slack and the choice of the technological innovation strategy in Chinese enterprises

通过建立数学模型,采用实物期权分析方法,分析了组织冗余与我国企业技术创新策略选择之间的关系. 分析结果表明：发掘、利用的组织冗余达到某一临界点时,能对企业选择基于研发的自主创新策略产生足够的激励;在基于技术引进的技术创新策略越来越难以实现的情况下,正确辨识、发掘、利用组织冗余对于提高组织的自主创新能力和绩效,显得格外重要.     

Pedestrian head translation,rotation and impact velocity: The influence of vehicle speed,pedestrian speed and pedestrian gait

In road traffic collisions, pedestrian injuries and fatalities account for approximately 11% and 20% of casualties in the USA and the EU, respectively. In many less motorised countries, the majority of victims are pedestrians. The significant influences of vehicle speed, pedestrian speed and pedestrian gait on pedestrian post-impact kinematics have been qualitatively noted in the literature, but there has been no quantitative approach to this problem. In this paper, the MADYMO MultiBody (MB) pedestrian model is used to analyse the influences of vehicle speed, pedestrian speed and pedestrian gait on the transverse translation of the pedestrian's head, head rotation about the vertical head axis and head impact velocity. Transverse translation has implications for injury severity because of variations in local vehicle stiffness. Head rotation is related to pedestrian stance at impact, which is known to affect the kinematics of a collision. Increased head impact velocity results in greater head injury severity. The results show that transverse translation of the head relative to the primary contact location of the pedestrian on the vehicle decreases with increasing vehicle speed and increases linearly with increasing pedestrian speed. Head rotation decreases with increasing vehicle speed and increases linearly with increasing pedestrian speed, but these variations are small. The range of head rotation values decreases with increasing vehicle speed. Head impact velocity increases linearly with vehicle speed and is largely independent of pedestrian speed. Transverse translation, head rotation and head impact velocity all vary cyclically with gait in clearly definable patterns.     

中小企业技术创新的动力因素研究

中小企业的技术创新受企业内外环境的多种动力因素的影响,市场需求是企业技术创新的外在拉动力,市场竞争是企业技术创新的外在压力,政府的政策是企业技术创新的外在引导力,企业的主体创新意识是技术创新的内在驱动力,企业的主体创新能力是技术创新的内在保障力.