Abstract
Purpose The purpose of this paper is to propose a contingent model that facilitates knowledge of the strategies followed by the research technology organizations (RTOs) of Valencia and the Basque Country, Spain, to adapt to the turbulence of their environment. Design/methodology/approach The research includes context, organizational and results variables and identifies some barriers that the RTOs encounter in collaborating with SMEs and also the best practices they follow to develop competitive advantages. The methodology used consisted of applying the proposed model to the 27 RTOs of both autonomous regions; a factor analysis was then performed to determine whether there exist groups of related (correlated) variables; finally, the authors proceeded to carry out a hierarchical cluster analysis to observe how the 27 RTOs are distributed according to their ability to adapt and respond to environmental turbulence. Findings The technological policy must consider the characteristics of each region to propose more efficient and equitable mechanisms that allow the RTOs to face new challenges. Originality/value This study proposes a theoretical model suitable for RTOs to respond to environmental changes, to the current economy globalization and to cope with new challenges. This proposal means that RTOs must manage an appropriate combination of key factors, including the development of more proactive innovation strategies, an organic organizational structure to relate better with other innovation agents and universities, which help them to work more efficiently with SMEs and to obtain a higher innovative performance.
Highlights
The research technology organizations (RTOs) have evolved by implementing institutional reforms in order to improve their competitiveness and their contribution to innovation processes (Preissl, 2006)
Correlation significant at *p o0.05; **p o 0.01. These results show the RTOs which are in more turbulent environments (V1) with a high technological rotation, which follow innovation strategies (V3) more proactively and show more organic organizational structures (V3), more organic in comparison to the ones from the RTOs, which work with mature sectors and low innovative industries, and are of low technology level, which assume more reactive strategies
The objectives of this study were to examine the strategies employed by the RTOs of the Valencian Community and the Basque Country to adapt to their environments, identify barriers encountered and best practices carried out that suit them and be more competitive
Summary
The research technology organizations (RTOs) have evolved by implementing institutional reforms in order to improve their competitiveness and their contribution to innovation processes (Preissl, 2006). In Spain, the austerity policies and budget reductions, in addition to changes in traditional industries and globalization of markets, are questioning the sustainability of European Journal of Management and Business Economics Vol 26 No 2, 2017 pp. Published in the European Journal of Management and Business Economics. The full terms of this licence may be seen at: http://creativecommons.org/licences/by/4.0/legalcode
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