Media multiplicity and collaborative innovation with suppliers: evidence from China

Abstract

Purpose

Based on media choice theories and real option theory, this study aims to explore the role of communication media portfolio in achieving collaborative innovation with suppliers.

Design/methodology/approach

Using data of the Study of Competitiveness, Technology and Firm Linkages 2002 collected by the World Bank and the Enterprise Survey Organization of the Chinese National Bureau of Statistics, this study employed logit model to test the hypotheses. Moreover, some robustness analyses were conducted.

Findings

This study suggests that media multiplicity increases the probability for a firm to achieve collaborative innovation with suppliers on the basis of real option theory. Furthermore, distance from the suppliers and relationship formality make media multiplicity further important in collaborative innovation with suppliers.

Originality/value

Through investing how communication media portfolio affecting collaborative innovation with suppliers and the contingency factors, this study complements existing studies just concentrating on supplier capabilities, relationships with suppliers and characteristics of supplier network. Moreover, this study contributes in the information system field by exploring the role of media portfolio rather than individual media.

Citation

Liu, R., He, Y., Ding, X.-H. and Li, J. (2023), "Media multiplicity and collaborative innovation with suppliers: evidence from China", European Journal of Innovation Management, Vol. 26 No. 2, pp. 331-346. https://doi.org/10.1108/EJIM-04-2021-0179