Spanish Biotechnology Research Articles

International breadth in coopetition and innovation performance: evidence from the Spanish biotechnology industry

ABSTRACT Collaboration with competitors – coopetition – enables access to valuable knowledge and resources for innovation and is seen as common practice in some knowledge-intensive sectors. Using longitudinal data from the Spanish biotechnology sector (a total of 1605 observations), this study examines the relationship between the international breadth of coopetition – the sum of the different international areas in which a firm’s coopetitors are located – and innovation performance. The results show that a firm must collaborate with competitors in more than a single geographical area to begin to experience the positive effect of international breadth on innovation performance. Furthermore, the results vary significantly in the presence of two different contingencies. Under conditions of lack of technological information, international breadth increases in value. When perceived market uncertainty is high, however, optimal results are achieved when the international breadth is limited to a single area.

Inter-organizational social capital as an antecedent of a firm’s knowledge identification capability and external knowledge acquisition

PurposeThis paper concentrates on the antecedents of external knowledge acquisition of companies based on their inter-organizational relationships. Specifically, it considers social capital (i.e., the result of a firm’s inter-organizational relationships) as an essential precursor of knowledge identification capabilities and deliberated knowledge acquisition strategies. This study aims to propose that cognitive and relational dimensions of a firm’s inter-organizational social capital are mediating factors of the relationship between structural social capital and knowledge identification capabilities and the relationship between structural social capital and the deliberated acquisition of external knowledge, respectively. The relationship between knowledge identification capability and external knowledge acquisition is also analyzed.Design/methodology/approachThis is a cross-sectional quantitative study with a sample of 87 firms from Spanish biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries. From an extensive literature review, we developed three hypotheses that were tested using the partial least squares technique and structural equations model.FindingsThe results only support a mediating effect of cognitive social capital in the relationship between structural social capital and knowledge identification capability and a partial mediation effect of relational social capital in the relationship between structural social capital and knowledge acquisition. In addition, the findings show that firms with more advanced abilities to identify and assess the value of external knowledge will be likely to develop optimal deliberated strategies to acquire effectively such knowledge from its network partners.Research limitations/implicationsThe limitations of this study are small sample size and the cross-sectional nature of the study. The study also focuses on only two specific and innovative industries.Practical implicationsManagers should understand that “good” management of inter-organizational social capital allows the firm to develop dynamic capabilities for the identification and acquisition of valuable knowledge. The results of the study show that managers should concentrate on building knowledge identification capabilities and should also be aware of the possibilities that social capital can provide to a firm to formulate and implement effective strategies for external knowledge acquisition.Originality/valueTo date, there are relatively few studies focussing on knowledge identification capability and its relationships with the dimensions of a company’s social capital as enablers of external knowledge acquisition. For managers, the identification of valuable knowledge by using inter-organizational relationships and networks is an essential issue, especially in innovative industries characterized by continuous change. Theoretically, this research highlights that social capital contributes to the development of dynamic capabilities, allowing the firm to sense and seize business opportunities based on external knowledge acquisition to achieve competitive advantages.

Market orientation, organizational performance, and the mediating role of crowdsourcing in knowledge‐based firms

AbstractThis paper establishes the relationships between market orientation and crowdsourcing in knowledge‐based firms for improving their organizational performance. By understanding the relationships among these variables, firms are in a better position to tackle complex business and innovation problems faster and at a lower cost. Results from the Spanish biotechnology and telecommunications sectors show the relevance of social networks for a better adaptation to rapidly changing markets and increasing competitiveness.

Relationships between structural social capital, knowledge identification capability and external knowledge acquisition

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyze the mediating effect of the identification of valuable external knowledge on the relationship between the development of inter-organizational ties (structural social capital) and the acquisition of external knowledge.Design/methodology/approachUsing a sample of 87 firms from Spanish biotechnology and pharmaceutics industries, the authors have tested the proposed mediation hypothesis by applying the partial least squares technique to a structural equations model.FindingsThe study results show that those firms with stronger, more frequent and closer inter-relationships are able to increase the amount of intentionally acquired knowledge, partly due to the greater level of development of their knowledge identification capability. Thus, firms with a higher capability to recognize the value of the knowledge embedded in their inter-organizational networks will be more likely to design better strategies to acquire and integrate such knowledge into their current knowledge bases for either present or future use.Originality/valueThis research contributes to knowledge management and social capital literature by means of the study of two key determinants of knowledge acquisition – structural social capital and knowledge identification capability – and the explanation of their relationships of mutual influence. The paper thus tries to fill this literature gap and connects the relational perspective of social capital with the knowledge-based view from a strategic point of view.

Performance and Intellectual Capital: How Enablers Drive Value Creation in Organisations

The main aim of this study is to establish the relationships between diverse research fields that academics traditionally address separately. Specifically, this paper explores the links between the resource‐based view, intellectual capital and knowledge creation. To achieve this, we developed a novel theoretical model of relationships and tested this model empirically. We quantitatively test this model using data from firms in the Spanish biotechnology sector. The main practical implication is the intense relationship between intellectual capital, performance and the mediating variables. The model indicates the existence of 10 useful channels through which to direct efforts to improve organisational performance. We define a theoretical relational model between these fields, thus marking an innovation in the subject‐specific literature because of the inclusion of intermediate or mediating variables, and their relationship with organisational performance. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Interorganizational innovation networks of Brazilian and Spanish biotechnology companies

This study has the purpose of conducting a dynamic comparative analysis of interorganizational innovation networks of Brazilian and Spanish biotechnology companies. It aims to explore the differences between the network characteristics and their actors’ positions and types as well as to analyze the temporal evolution of these networks. Although analyses of the evolution of networks are relevant in supporting comprehension of paths for innovation, they are incipient, particularly as cross-country studies. Considering that, this comparison between Brazil and Spain, which are at different levels of biotechnology development, may contribute to the advancement of this area. Social network analysis techniques are employed to draw and measure the network characteristics constructed under the information of patent applications by biotechnology companies located in Brazil and Spain in the period of 1990–2012. The results demonstrate an impressive growth of innovation networks from both countries but show an inferior position for Brazilian data in terms of constancy, volume of partnerships, partner diversity, and main actor types. Thus, this article reveals patterns of evolution over time for each country, which allows for the determination of the implications for public policy and managerial experts.

Main drivers of human capital, learning and performance

The aim of this study was to show the relationships between the enablers for knowledge creation and human capital (HC); the effect of HC on feedback and feedforward; and the influence of these learning flows on organizational performance. To achieve this, we developed a novel theoretical model of relationships and tested this model empirically. We quantitatively test this model using data from firms in the Spanish biotechnology sector. Results show strong relationships between HC and enablers for knowledge creation (redundancy, trust, and autonomy); HC and learning flows (feedback and feedforward); and learning flows and organizational performance. The originality of this study lies in linking—theoretically, empirically, and through a novel model—independent theories of HC, learning, and knowledge creation.

The effect of online social networks and competency-based management on innovation capability

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the effect of online social networks and competency-based management on innovation capability. Design/methodology/approach The paper is theory-confirming. Theoretical relationships were tested using an empirical study of 289 firms from the Spanish biotechnology and telecommunications industries. Findings Results confirm that online social network use for internal cognitive processes (e.g. reading, searching and storing information) and external cognitive processes (e.g. sharing and co-creating knowledge) positively affects knowledge transfer. This knowledge helps firms to achieve superior competency in R&D to succeed in innovation programs. Research Limitations/implications All survey respondents were from Spain, which may limit the generalizability of findings. A longitudinal approach was not used. However, doing so would make it possible to explore time lags between online social network use, competency-based management and innovation. Practical Implications This paper highlights the potential as well as the limitations of online social networks and competency-based management in promoting innovation capability. Businesses must consciously manage the assimilation and use of online social networks to benefit from them. Originality/value The study contributes to the literature by identifying effects on innovation capability at the meso-level (i.e. online social networks). Findings highlight the need for a shift in focus away from collaborating and interacting in online social networks (micro-level) and organizational contexts (macro-level) so as to improve innovation capability.

Análisis de la colaboración entre las empresas biotecnológicas españolas con actividades de I+D y el sistema público de I+D

The development and improvement of cooperation between the industrial sector and the public R&D system can produce competitive advantages for the companies. The present work describes experiences and perceptions of Spanish biotechnology companies in their collaboration with the public R&D system. Results show that almost all the biotechnological companies with R&D activities (93.6%) have cooperated with the public R&D system. The main barriers found by the companies are the excess of bureaucracy and the slow response of public researchers. Results obtained also suggest the need to establish public policies and programmes to promote knowledge and technology transfer from public research centres to companies, with a special focus on encouraging researchers from the public R&D system and on improving how Technology Transfer Offices work.

The Use of Patents to Assess National Innovation Systems: Evidences from Spanish Biotechnology

The Use of Patents to Assess National Innovation Systems: Evidences from Spanish Biotechnology

The Use of Patents to Assess National Innovation Systems: Evidences from Spanish Biotechnology

Spain’s economy recorded a high rate of growth from the mid-1990s onwards. At the same time, the resources allocated to Research and Development (R&D) grew at a much faster pace than in other European Union (EU) countries. Spain’s growth recorded an average rate of 2.93% from the early 1990s to 2004. Over the same period, the average growth in the EU was 0.46%. This circumstance, together with several sound policy decisions implemented between 2004 and 2009, ushered in a “golden age of Spanish biotechnology”. In terms of the national patent licenses issued by the Spanish Patent and Trademark Office (SPTO) between 2004 and 2009, the number in biotechnology grew from 84 to 151. However, the current economic situation in Spain, along with a series of political decisions taken over the past two or three years to cut spending on R&D, predicts a sharp downturn in the performance of Spanish biotechnology. This scenario makes Spain one of the best places to study the successes and failures of the management of science and allows transfer this experience to the other international regions. We need to analyze the influence of political decisions as a major factor with a bearing on the quality of science. Using patents as an indicator of scientific development, this paper analyzes the evolution of the biotechnology sector in Spain and its relationship with scientific policy and the management of R&D.

Benchmarking biotechnology industries: A comparative perspective

This exploratory paper concerns Spanish biotechnology, a newcomer in the world of molecular biology and its applications. Our central research question is: how different or similar is the national system of Spanish biotechnology compared to those of other countries such as Canada, the United Kingdom or the United States? And how could it be overhauled to rejoin leading countries? The study is based on both public figures and a database built by the authors on Spanish dedicated biotechnology firms. The paper argues that Spanish biotechnology is growing under a fairly different system from the one that was established in the leading nations, the United States, the United Kingdom and Canada. In the Spanish system, venture capital and university spin-offs do not hold a major position, but government support and large private company groups of companies do. Spain may thus develop a latecomer version of the Continental European biotechnology adoption system. In the conclusion, we summarize the findings and implications of the study.

Performance analysis of research spin-offs in the Spanish biotechnology industry

This study examines whether the performance of biotechnology research spin-offs in Spain differs from non spin-off firms, using empirically-based fieldwork over a 5-year period and standard dichotomous regression analysis on 7-year data.Biotechnology research spin-offs in Spain are not necessarily located in core regions, are smaller in size and tend to grow faster in terms of turnover. Corporate groups seldom control them but venture capitalists have a greater tendency to acquire shareholdings in them. Compared to non spin-off firms, research spin-off firms face more serious and more numerous challenges and disadvantages. Only two advantages are apparent: their capacity to attract more venture capital and their ability to increase their turnover.

Firms’ connections and cluster opportunity. The case of biotechnology in the Community of Madrid

Much of the Spanish biotechnology industry activity operates in the Community of Madrid (CM). Regional and local authorities are very interested in constituting a biotechnology cluster in the Community. All the necessary elements can be found in the region: as shown, there exists the opportunity for the emergence of a biotechnology cluster in CM. However, at the present time no biotechnology cluster can be said to exist as such in the region; there is only a cluster opportunity. In order to demonstrate this proposition, we provide an overview of the biotechnology industry, focusing on the firms that operate in Madrid and their connections between themselves and the other actors in the system. Any cluster strategy that aims to develop a biotechnology cluster in Madrid should consider the form of these connections.

Inicios de la microbiología enológica gallega

The Spanish Council for Scientific Research (Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Cientificas, CSIC) was created 70 years ago, and is considered the biggest research institution of Spain. The process of the institutionalization of Spanish ecology has been made in its dependences, during an important growing of Spanish microbiology and biotechnology. There is a bad known fact that a part of this effort were finally focused to the enology, giving the Ecological Wine Theory. The first studies made with this purpose about the Galician wine microbiology were carried out in the Institute of Industrial Fermentations (Instituto de Fermentaciones Industriales, IFI-CSIC) in the 70 decade, and were a part of the evidences taking into account to elaborate the Theory of Ecological Wine. The abusive employment of fungicides and sulphur compounds to control the microbiology of the winemaking was considered by this theory a practice that eliminate the possibility of growing of several yeast species to develop their metabolism to give desired sensorial characters to the wine. By this reason, the employment of selected and wild authochtonous yeast strains, isolated from Galician musts and wines and progressively inoculated, were recommended to avoid the use of the chemical compounds like sulphur dioxide and fungicides, and to preserve the typical Galician wine characteristics. Two scientific articles made in 70 decade are commented, and also the conclusions given by the authors in relation with the Theory of Ecological Wine, and with the situation of Spanish wine microbiology at this moment. The isolated yeast during these studies are conserved till now in the Dept. of Microbiology of the IFI-CSIC.

Biotechnology in Catalonia; Industry Analysis

Biotechnology is considered one of the key engines to achieving long-term sustainable growth. Catalonia is the main player in the Spanish biotechnology market, boasting 35 percent of the Spanish biotech R&D and 24 percent of its firms. In this report, we analyze the state of the Catalan biotechnology sector, focusing on its competitive advantages and disadvantages relative to other European biotech clusters. Our findings indicate that, in Catalonia, the biotechnology sector has the potential to affect sectors that represent 10 percent of the Catalan GDP and that employ 9.3 percent of the Catalan workforce. However, Catalan biotech is still quite small in relation to the top European bioclusters and it is only slowly catching up in some of its strategic components. The main advantages of the Catalan biotechnology sector are, first, its research effort, which has been improving steadily, thus allowing Catalonia to start closing the gap with Europe, especially in industrial biotechnology. Second, the attractiveness of Barcelona to draw key staff. The main challenge it faces is access to funding and the fact that the size of related industries in the area is smaller than their size in the top European biotech regions. Finally, 65 percent of Catalan biotechnology firms are devoted to the health sector, while the performance of biotech research in the industrial sector has been particularly competitive.

Asymmetric behaviour of biotechnology business patterns in Spain

Since the end of the 90s there has been an increase in the emergence of biotechnology industries in Spain, partially as a result of growing support from institutionally based infrastructures. Through the use of empirical fieldwork, this study aims to reveal how future prospects are not as optimistic as most Spanish agents perceive. Our conclusions are based on the asymmetric behaviour shown by Spanish biotechnology firms in their business models. This asymmetry is based on the overwhelming dominance of business models centred on low investment, limited R&D expenditure and minor or incremental innovation, whereas the long term–long return model, which prevails in the leading countries in this field, is practically non-existent in the Spanish environment.

Making the development of technological innovations more efficient: An exploratory analysis in the biotechnology sector

The current study analyzes the processes involved in obtaining technological innovations. Conclusive results are lacking in the literature, so this work defines and empirically tests a model of the relations between the firm's innovative capacity and the different ways of accumulating knowledge and the decision whether or not to codify it. Also, the model takes into account whether the innovations obtained are radical or incremental. The empirical study uses a sample of Spanish biotechnology firms, and the results show that accumulating knowledge using internal sources and not codifying it significantly improves the firm's capacity to develop radical innovations. The results also show that knowledge codification speeds up the development of incremental innovations. The relation between incremental innovations and the sources of knowledge is not so clear, although the results suggest the possible existence of a nonlinear relation between the two variables.

Evolución del impacto socioeconómico de las biotecnologías en la salud

The socioeconomic impacts of biotechnology applications need to be assessed due to their strategic character for all economic sectors and, particularly, for the health sector. However, this objective is not without difficulties in view of the horizontal and multifaceted character of life technologies, which hampers statistical analysis. The initiatives of international organizations such as the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), the European Commission and Eurostat are helping to solve the problem and results are emerging from the use of questionnaires addressed to the actors (in the broad sense of the term) involved. In the case of Spain, the efforts of public and private institutions such as the Spanish Genome Foundation and the entrepreneurial association ASEBIO, together with the more recent intervention of the National Statistics Institute, have allowed considerable advances to be achieved and the important innovative character of health-oriented biotechnology to be recognized as a valid complement to the strong scientific and technical potential of the Spanish biotechnology community.

The impact of knowledge management on innovation and entrepreneurship in the biotechnology and telecommunications industries

In the resource-based view approach, the knowledge frontier rests on the understanding of the process of creating and recreating distinctive competences. Moreover, in spite of the importance of knowledge assets, how innovation distinctive competences are generated in organizations is still an unknown factor. This research studies the effect of introducing knowledge management programs in the development of innovation distinctive competences, using two knowledge intensive industries. We establish a conceptual delimitation of knowledge management as a directive system through a set of principles and practices. The theoretical relationships we propose are tested in an empirical study carried out in 222 firms from the Spanish biotechnology and telecommunications industries.