The Role of External Knowledge Search in Firms’ Innovation Performance: Evidence from China

Abstract

AbstractOpen innovation has emerged as the main innovation mode in the era of knowledge-driven economy. However, existing research pays little attention to the precise classification of international and local knowledge search, and ignores their joint impact on innovation performance. This study examines how international knowledge search and local knowledge search independently and jointly help enhance innovation performance in China’s emerging economy. A survey of 219 firms indicates that international knowledge search and local knowledge search are positively related to innovation performance. Specifically, local and international knowledge search interact to positively predict innovation performance. Theoretical and managerial implications are discussed.KeywordsExternal knowledge searchInternational knowledge searchInnovation performanceLocal knowledge search