Innovation Network Performance Research Articles

The Effects of Locational Factors on the Performance of Innovation Networks in the German Energy Sector

Locational factors, like the quantity and quality of skilled labour, demanding customers, competitors, supporting industries, and research institutions, are assumed to have an influence on the competitiveness of a region and the performance of the regional actors. However, few studies focus on this topic from an innovation network perspective in the energy sector. Our study tries to close this gap: a sample of 128 German innovation networks of companies and research institutes in the energy sector is used to analyse the effects of locational factors on the performance (effectiveness) of innovation projects. Based on the distinctions in Porter’s Diamond Model, we find that two locational factors—the quality and quantity of the demand conditions and skilled labour—have positive effects. In contrast to the widespread assumption in the literature we could not find evidence for positive impacts on the quality and quantity of the competitive environment. In fact, the effect on performance was negative.

Innovation network trajectories and changes in resource bundles

This paper reports on an investigation into how changes in network resource bundles influence the success of innovation networks and how they change trajectories over time. Innovation networks are complex adaptive systems, and this paper uses a fuzzy set theory simulation methodological approach to capture complexity. The findings indicate that the interdependencies between knowledge variables and financial resources are the greatest contributor to high performing innovation networks, whereas the loss of social capital and its interdependency with the environment are the largest contributors to declines in innovation network performance. The paper suggests a more nuanced role for social capital within innovation networks and, importantly, highlights the sequencing of knowledge contributions, which take low performing innovation networks to high performing innovation networks.

Can innovation network projects result in efficient performance?

This paper examines the effects that process, structure and governance dimensions of networks have on innovation performance. The main focus of the paper is the multidimensional aspect of innovation networks and how these dimensions affect network performance. Technology management, resource-based, transaction costs and social capital perspectives are applied in the construction of the model variables of each subsystem or dimension analyzed. With results drawn from a sample of 350 project managers identified in the European Union CORDIS database who are actively involved in European innovation networks, we argue that the performance of innovation networks is increased through the suitable design of process, structure and governance subsystems. Empirical findings also show that interactions between these subsystems have a complementary or synergic effect resulting in improved innovation performance.

State and development of innovation networks

PurposeInnovation is one of the key drivers of economic success. However, the global environment is changing and makes innovation management more competitive. In order to sustain an advantage, companies seem to adopt more flexible schemes of organization. Specifically, innovation networks appear useful to researchers and practitioners. This paper aims to explore the current empirical relevance of this phenomenon in the automotive sector, the goals and performance of innovation networks as well as their formation and governance.Design/methodology/approachThrough a series of semi‐structured interviews with managers from European automobile firms, insights into network approaches and strategies based on the analysis of 39 innovation networks are presented. The study comprises all relevant actors in the industry such as large OEMs as well as small and medium‐sized second‐tier and third‐tier suppliers.FindingsThe empirical survey was able to confirm that innovation networks are of high relevance in the automobile sector. It can be expected that innovation networks will spread further and gain more importance in the coming years. The most important goals that the involved companies aim to realize by using innovation networks include flexible access to technologies, intensified contact with clients and markets and long‐term bonding of suppliers and clients. The companies report a fairly good performance of their innovation networks. Finally, various aspects of network formation and governance have been identified.Practical implicationsSeveral deficits in current network management practices are identified. Improving these issues, the performance level of innovation networks could be raised even higher.Originality/valueBuilding on previous work in this field, this paper adds empirical insights on innovation networks in the automobile business.