Management Of Innovation Networks Research Articles

Network quality prediction in a designated area using GPS data

This study introduces a groundbreaking method for predicting network quality in LTE and 5G environments using only GPS data, focusing on pinpointing specific locations within a designated area to determine network quality as either good or poor. By leveraging machine learning algorithms, we have successfully demonstrated that geographical location can be a key indicator of network performance. Our research involved initially classifying network quality using traditional signal strength metrics and then shifting to rely exclusively on GPS coordinates for prediction. Employing a variety of classifiers, including Decision Tree, Random Forest, Gradient Boosting and K-Nearest Neighbors, we uncovered notable correlations between location data and network quality. This methodology provides network operators with a cost-effective and efficient tool for identifying and addressing network quality issues based on geographic insights. Additionally, we explored the potential implications of our study in various use cases, including healthcare, education, and urban industrialization, highlighting its versatility across different sectors. Our findings pave the way for innovative network management strategies, especially critical in the contexts of both LTE and the rapidly evolving landscape of 5G technology.

Connection patterns and resilience simulation of innovation network in the context of technology transfer: A case study of strategic emerging industries in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area

Technology transfer is crucial for the flow and reconfiguration of regional innovation elements. Besides, leveraging network methodologies effectively uncovers regional knowledge exchange and transfer patterns. Combining the “Buzz-Gatekeeper-Pipeline” model, this study introduces a comprehensive analytical framework that utilizes a patent transfer database to characterize innovation network types, identify connection patterns, and enable resilience loss simulation, elucidating regional technology transfer types and connection patterns from a network perspective, delineating the evolution and potential causes of network structural resilience loss, and finally establishing a list of differentiated and hierarchical innovation network management strategies. Focusing on the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, this empirical study reveals the following: 1) Technology transfer primarily occurs between different enterprises. However, on average, knowledge products from colleges/universities and research institutions boast relatively high technical contribution efficiency to enterprises. 2) The innovation network is driven by the “Technological Gatekeeper” as the main connector. Four types of innovation communities—isolated, insider, seeker, and networked—are formed based on different combinations of “Community Buzz” and “Regional Pipeline”. 3) A significant positive correlation exists between innovation network connection patterns and network structural resilience. The impact of different types of “Regional Pipelines” on network structural resilience varies significantly.

Study on Cooperative Culture, Network Power and Knowledge Flow from the Perspective of Enterprise Innovation Network Management

Efficiently development of enterprise innovation networks is inseparable from integrated innovation processes such as knowledge sharing and transfer. Knowledge flow is a core network activity that is highly dependent on the cultural and structural environment. As an informal governance mechanism, cooperative culture affects the stability and durability of relationship between members. Perfectly cooperative cultural mechanism is the key to promoting knowledge flow in innovation networks. The purpose of this paper is to explore whether and how cooperative culture and network power affect knowledge flow in innovation networks. This paper finds that cooperative culture, network power has a positive effect on knowledge flow, which was obtained by using SEM method based on 227 questionnaire survey samples of enterprises. Furthermore, this paper also uses fuzzy quantitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) to study how cooperative culture and network power work together on knowledge flow. This study finds out three paths that lead to high knowledge flow, which are composed of the elements of cooperative culture and network power. The three paths are knowledge reciprocity-oriented, cooperative culture-oriented and cultural knowledge fitoriented respectively. These findings are of great significance for promoting the management of innovation networks.

Building a bridge between performance management, radical innovation, and innovation networks: A systematic literature review

Research on performance management (PM) of networks and radical innovation has largely developed along two isolated paths. On the one hand, a growing body of knowledge addresses the use of performance management systems in the context of networks (notably for production and incremental innovation). On the other hand, radical innovation scholars have shown how innovation initiatives that are more uncertain demand the use of new approaches (e.g., new project management routines or different evaluative tools for portfolios). Some scholars even suggest that traditional PM may suppress radical innovation. Our study takes a different approach. It aims to bridge radical innovation and network performance management through a systematic review of the literature. Here, we adopt a hybrid approach that combines bibliometrics with content analysis. Whereas the literature often separates the issues of network performance management and radical innovation, our contribution expands the theory of network management and radical innovation by developing a conceptual framework based on these concepts, thus combining them. We also offer suggestions for further research on this approach. Our framework suggests that overall, the performance management of radical innovation networks presents different features (e.g., recursive rather than linear) and constructs (e.g., openness and unintended performance) from those of innovation network management.

The Management of Innovation Networks: Possibilities of Collaboration in Light of Game Theory

The purpose of the present article is to demonstrate how understanding the rationality of the agents of innovation networks can be useful to strategically formulate their management, in light of the prisoner’s dilemma. This research was undertaken using a theoretical test that addresses the topics of network governance and management, collaboration and game theory. The results may contribute to the literature on network governance and management, more specifically to the field of innovation networks, by proposing scenarios upon which network managers can build in order to develop governance strategies. Moreover, management mechanisms are also proposed, adjusted to the innovation networks, in order to encourage collaboration among the participants of these innovative environments.

General cybernetic model for innovation network management

Lately, due to intensive global competition, both academic and market society have paid more attention to concepts such as ‘open innovation’ and ‘innovation network’. To make a constructive literature review, at first, in this paper, theoretical aspects and literature of innovation network and its management are reviewed and examined. This review shows that most studies have limited their investigation and the development of the model to their particular views and applications. In other words, there rarely exist comprehensively and systematically framework developed in the literature. This paper emphasizes on the development of a comprehensive and systematic model for innovation network management. For this purpose, the literature is analysed and the related aspects and factors are classified. This led to the categories consisting of: building blocks of network management, managing innovation, dimensions of relational network, types of innovation and performance. Also, due to the complexity inherent in dynamic systems, management and control processes for innovation networks are often non-linear and hard to observe and control. In addition, knowledge about regulation, control and communication functions in any system is known as ‘cybernetics’ which is closely related to control theory and systems theory subjects. Finally, this paper by using cybernetics and assigning classified theoretical aspects toa general cybernetic model develops a comprehensive innovation network model.

Innovation Networks in Logistics-Management and Competitive Advantages

Networks have become an important organization form for creating and disseminating innovations in many sectors. Innovation networks can help to cope with the demands of increasing competition and rapidly changing markets. This view has established also in the logistics sector. The objective of this treatise is to help readers understand the management of innovation networks based on a case study that examines how the DHL Group, one of the world's largest providers of logistics services, organizes its innovative activities with its network partners. The special focus is the network management and competitive advantages for DHL resulting form the network. The network of DHL Solutions & Innovations (DSI), a business unit in which the DHL Group bundles and coordinates its innovation activities, is described and analyzed. DSI utilizes a large international network of heterogeneous partners, which is largely being controlled through focal means and which is configured dynamically. Functions selection, allocation, regulation and evaluation are stringently organized within this innovation network and are highly formalized. The advantages of the chosen organizational format for the network are explained on the basis of the resource oriented approaches and the transaction cost theory.

Improving distributed innovation processes in virtual organisations through the evaluation of collaboration intensities

Distributed innovation processes (DIPs) are considered a new option to handle both the growing complexity of new products and services and the speed in which they need to be brought to the market. Apparently, DIPs – if conducted in a complementary way – have a positive influence on the innovation cycle regarding quality and development times. However, research has paid little attention to DIPs in collaborative networks (CNs) in the past. CNs, one of them being highly dynamic virtual organisations, could provide an ideal foundation for such DIPs. With the presentation of the collaborative network relationship analysis and the analysis of collaboration intensities, this research gap will be addressed. It is shown that a qualitative planning of collaboration intensities can support the management of innovation networks. Case studies from the business sector demonstrate the applicability. Finally, an example illustrates the underlying mechanisms. This article is an extended version of the paper ‘Managing distributed innovation processes in virtual organizations by applying the collaborative network relationship analysis’ presented at PRO-VE’09 (Eschenbächer, J., Seifert, M., and Thoben, K.-D., 2009. Managing distributed innovation processes in virtual organizations by applying the collaborative network relationship analysis. In: L.M. Camarinha-Matos, I. Paraskakis, and H. Afsamarnesh, eds. Leveraging knowledge for innovation in collaborative networks. Chennai: IFIP International Federation for Information Processing, 13–21).

Managing innovation networks: Exploratory evidence from ICT, biotechnology and nanotechnology networks

This study examines the management of innovation networks which has enjoyed increased recognition in the marketing literature due to its growing prominence and relevance. By testing a causal model relating network factors to outcomes, the study contributes to theory development on managing innovation at the net level of analysis. Consequently, it contributes to the respective marketing literatures on new product development, open innovation, industrial marketing and its emerging network management sub-stream. It also offers a methodological contribution as respondents include key players from businesses, government agencies, research organizations and universities rather than from only one focal organization as studies in extant literature have predominantly done. Findings are based on 219 responses from Australian high technology networks, namely, information and communications technology and biotechnology/nanotechnology. The study offers valuable implications for marketing managers involved in new product development and innovation concerning strategies for managing their inter-organizational innovation initiatives effectively.

Trapped in a net: network analysis for network governance

PurposeEspecially at the regional level co‐operation is seen as a prerequisite for innovation and competitiveness. Hence, political interest in fostering knowledge intensive networks is high. New forms of governance and additional strategic intelligence for decision makers are requested. Thus potential of the social network analysis (SNA) is discussed as methodology providing the information needed for strategic management of innovation networks. The aim of this paper is to assess the impact as a regional governance tool.Design/methodology/approachFirst, benefits and risks of innovation networks are discussed based on literature review. Second, the potentials of the SNA for their systematic monitoring are examined. Herewith specific attention was paid to the manageability and reduction of complexity to demonstrate SNA applicability for network governance. Analysis was based on automated data retrieval of electronic documents available, e.g. at governmental institutions, research databases, and the internet. Results are exemplified by studying knowledge intensive networks in Styria.FindingsThe applied set of IT based tools and visualisation of regional co‐operations based on SNA provides a comprehensive view of the interdependencies and the embeddedness of different institutions as well as actors of the region. Based on this visualisation conclusions are drawn concerning network management by analysing specific attributes of interest, concerning partners, cooperative behaviour, balance of power, openness and embeddedness of the network.Originality/valueNetwork benefits success may not be achieved automatically. Strategic management is crucial for success. The paper demonstrates how social network analysis may be applied on automatic retrieved data on involved organisations and key players to strengthening the strategic intelligence of (regional) decision makers and help them meet the governance challenges of the network economy.

Management of innovation networks: a case study of different approaches

PurposeThe literature includes a vast amount of research on both innovation and business networks; however, the empirical knowledge of their intersection – innovation networks and their management – is still scarce. This empirical study aims at increasing the knowledge of management of innovation networks by mapping characteristics of management approaches of two case companies. These companies operate in the software business and develop their products in inter‐organizational networks. Special attention is paid to differences in the management approaches between the case companies.Design/methodology/approachThe present empirical article is based on analysis of two case companies representing very different and contrasting approaches to management of innovation networks. The empirical study is conducted among SMEs in the software business.FindingsAs a result of the analysis, several aspects of management of innovation networks are identified and their nature explained. These aspects are: duration of the network; rewards from the network; fundamental meaning of the network; the nature of the networked organization; planning, control, and trust; and hierarchies, authority, and coordination. These aspects are powerful in mapping and explaining the characteristics of innovation network management.Originality/valueVarious management practices are suggested and discussed in the context of each of the identified aspects of innovation network management.

Managing gerontechnological innovation in networks

Due to the rapid increase of innovation networks in recent years, research in this field has grown significantly. The existing literature focuses on innovation search, how innovation networks are developed or the optimal network structure and learning in networks. This study aims to create a holistic view of innovation network management. Our findings highlight the systemic nature of gerontechnological innovations and its influence on the engineered development of such networks. We suggest that the management benefits from a multihub intermediate organisation comprised of the state, university and private sectors. Such an intermediate actor can successfully orchestrate both the structure and dynamics of the network to enhance trust and minimise opportunism.

Developing innovation networks the art of interorganisational collaboration in high-technology innovation

Firms seek access to complementary resources, improved competitiveness, and flexibility through development of innovation alliances. Thus, efficient alliance management is a key managerial concern. This paper provides a review of existing theoretical alliance management approaches, analyses their strengths and limitations, and concludes that a network approach to alliance management is needed due to firms' contextual embeddedness. Based on extant literature and two high-technology case studies, the authors develop a framework for innovation network management. The elements of the framework, i.e., network visioning, positioning, and mobilising, are discussed and their managerial relevance and implications are highlighted.

Mass Market Entry of Wireless Telecommunications

Although cellular wireless telecommunication is now available worldwide, it still constitutes only a small percentage of overall telecommunications traffic. Even in advanced countries such as the US, in comparison to wireline, at year-end ’96, wireless service still remained somewhat elitist with no more than 16 percent of the population having cellular phones and — more tellingly — less than three percent of the total call traffic volume being carried by these phones. As various national governments make new spectrum available for wireless PCS service, and existing cellular service transforms itself into PCS, the public is demanding ubiquitous, affordable, high-quality wireless service. PCS will be defined not only by its new digital technology or advanced service capabilities, but also by its universal affordability. This paper describes some of the strategies new PCS service-providers are adopting to meet this challenge. While the penetration of wireless telecommunication in any market depends on such factors as terminal cost, per-capita income, quality of service, and cultural preferences, a major driver for achieving the goal of ubiquitous service is pricing. We analyze the trends in the US and Israel markets using principles of marketing science to illustrate this point. At year-end 1996, in the US, wireless cost 17 times more than wireline service. Using the theory of diffusion of consumer durables, we project that, at this price, the potential for wireless in US is only 93 million subscribers (34 percent penetration, 52 percent relative to wireline teledensity), around 90 minutes of use (MoU) (5 percent relative to wireline) and $49 revenue per subscriber per month. In contrast, in Israel, the new PCS operator Cellcom has introduced wireless service at only three times the cost of wireline. Our analysis of the Israel data indicates that, with this revolutionary pricing strategy, Israel can reach a wireless penetration of 100 percent relative to wireline teledensity, and an average subscriber usage of 60 percent relative to wireline. Based on the Israel experience, we infer that, in the US market, a similar pricing strategy will yield 180 million subscribers, 600 MoU and $54 revenue per subscriber per month. While a lower price would help PCS realize the goal of ubiquitous service, it would also result in a highly competitive, low-revenue per-minute-of-use environment for the operator. So to succeed in such an environment, operators such as Cellcom are restructuring their businesses in fundamental ways. As revenue per-MoU falls, operators must make similar reductions in expenditure on marketing, network infrastructure and operations. In the rest of the paper, we discuss changes in traffic patterns, new marketing strategies, wireless digital technologies, advanced planning techniques, and innovative network management systems that are some of the key enablers of this transformation. In 1997, several new PCS operators have entered the market in the US, causing a lowering of tariffs, but there is yet no indication of as dramatic a reduction as experienced in Israel. In this paper, we also describe the pricing strategies currently being employed by US PCS operators and the impact they have had on subscriber penetration thus far.