Drivers of technology commercialization and performance in SMEs

Abstract

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to explore the effects of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs’) R & D capability and learning capability on their technology commercialization by focussing on the moderating effect of environmental dynamism.Design/methodology/approach– Based on a review of the literature on organizational capability, technology commercialization, and environmental dynamism, various hypotheses were developed and tested using a sample of 179 SMEs in Korea. Non-response bias usingt-test and common method bias was assessed.Findings– The results indicate that their R & D capability and learning capability were significant drivers of their technology commercialization, which in turn influenced their business performance. Environmental dynamism was found to moderate the relationship between technology commercialization and business outcomes. These results suggest that SME managers should place greater emphasis on strengthening their organizational capability and dealing with turbulent business environments.Originality/value– Few studies have explored the drivers of technology commercialization and their effects on business performance. To fill this gap in the literature, the present study examines the effects of firms’ R & D capability and learning capability on technology commercialization in the context of SMEs, focussing specifically on the moderating effect of environmental dynamism. The study contributes to the literature by extending the research horizon to firms’ technology commercialization capability, providing a better understanding of the pivotal role of technology commercialization and its key drivers and environmental factors in boosting performance.