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1 – 10 of over 32000Wei Li and Zhuzhu Feng
Over the past decades, mainstream studies have generally indicated that new ventures could improve entrepreneurial performance by adopting strategic alliances (SAs). However…
Abstract
Purpose
Over the past decades, mainstream studies have generally indicated that new ventures could improve entrepreneurial performance by adopting strategic alliances (SAs). However, recently an increasing number of new ventures appear to not realize this objective using SAs at all times and may, rather, even be stuck in the survival trap. This dilemma indicates that the causal relationship between SAs and entrepreneurial performance in new ventures is not simply linear and rather a further complex nonlinear relationship. To handle this debate, this study attempted to reveal the nonlinear relationship of two types of SAs (technology alliances and market alliances) in new ventures with entrepreneurial performance (organizational growth and customer value). In addition, the moderating effect of transactive memory system (TMS) in the entrepreneurial team under the nonlinear relationship was explored.
Design/methodology/approach
This study established a research model by considering technology alliances and market alliances as two independent variables, organizational growth and customer value as two dimensions of entrepreneurial performance, and TMS as the moderators. The survey data collected from 207 Chinese new ventures was subjected to the hierarchical linear regression method for testing the proposed hypotheses.
Findings
The results revealed that there is an inverse U-shaped relationship between technology alliances and organizational growth, while the relationship between technology alliances and customer value was U-shaped. In addition, the relationship between market alliances and organizational growth was U-shaped, while an inverse U-shaped relationship was observed between market alliances and customer value. Finally, TMS was observed to positively moderate the U-shaped relationship between technology alliances and customer value as well as the U-shaped relationship between market alliances and organizational growth.
Originality/value
This study concluded that a nonlinear relationship between SAs and entrepreneurial performance existed in new ventures, which contributes to resolving the debate on whether new ventures could adopt SAs to improve entrepreneurial performance at all times. Specifically, the findings of this study would enrich the existing literature on the outcomes of SAs in new ventures through an evaluation of the effect of the inverse nonlinear relationship between technology alliances and market alliances on entrepreneurial performance (e.g. organizational growth and customer value). In addition, the findings of this study would extend the discussions about the conditions of the above causal relationship by introducing the TMS as the core moderator.
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Juhaini Jabar, Claudine Soosay and Ricardo Santa
The purpose of this paper is to examine the influence of organisational learning (comprising absorptive capacity, nature and type of alliances and learning environment) through…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine the influence of organisational learning (comprising absorptive capacity, nature and type of alliances and learning environment) through strategic technology alliances on technology transfer and new product development. The paper is based on a larger research on alliances in the Malaysian manufacturing industry.
Design/methodology/approach
The antecedents and outcomes of organisational learning were tested using structural equation modelling, based on data collected from 335 organisations through an online survey questionnaire.
Findings
The findings depict that absorptive capacity, nature and type of alliances and learning environment significantly affect technology transfer in Malaysian manufacturers, but not necessarily new product development simultaneously. Nevertheless, the results establish technology transfer as an effective means for building innovative capabilities in developing new products. This is imperative for attaining Malaysia's current goal in improving the manufacturing industry and becoming an industrialised nation by the year 2020.
Research limitations/implications
The findings advocate further deliberations for manufacturers in Malaysia in shaping their strategies and learning objectives when embarking on collaborative relations, as these can result in technological competencies and ultimately the capacity to develop new innovative products.
Practical implications
The paper offers useful insights for manufacturers when forming technology alliances; and facilitate decisions by current practitioners in managing collaborations. The paper also informs Malaysian Government institutions in developing mechanisms, economic policy strategies and business support services for enhancing the economic and commercial viability of Malaysian manufacturing activities and products.
Originality/value
The value of this paper lies in discerning the current capabilities and strategies of manufacturing firms in developing nations in order to remain competitive.
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Kusumaphorn Sompong, Barbara Igel and Helen Lawton Smith
This paper aims to investigate the relationship among alliance motivation (AM), execution of cooperation (EC) and alliance performance of strategic alliance for commercializing…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to investigate the relationship among alliance motivation (AM), execution of cooperation (EC) and alliance performance of strategic alliance for commercializing technology and developing products.
Design/methodology/approach
The measurements were constructed and tested empirically through a survey of 320 strategic alliances in the food processing industry in Thailand. Confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modelling were applied to refine scales for measuring AM, execution and cooperation performance.
Findings
This research found that firms adopted social interaction with alliance partners in order to establish mutual expectations about technology characteristics, access opportunity and organisational management styles, factors that are shown to have positive influences on both commercial and partnership performance. Findings also confirm a significant positive impact of technology characteristics, access opportunity, market potential and financial benefit on the adoption of a formal partnership agreement, but a significant impact only on commercial performance.
Research limitations/implications
Further research should use random samples in different industries in other emerging economies, and other data analysis methods to assess decision-making in strategic technology alliances that may include different types of partnerships.
Practical implications
The findings are also useful for managers who leverage operations with external resources obtained through strategic alliances parameters both in the process of managing relationships and achieving results.
Originality/value
This article contributes to extant literature by developing a practical measurement system of AM, actual EC and resulting performance in an emerging economy country. It also contributes to clarify the decision-making of firms that form strategic alliances for commercializing technology and developing products to facilitate more quality management research in other industries and countries.
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Linden Brown and Hugh Pattinson
An information‐driven, techno‐economic paradigm based on themicroprocessor has emerged and is having a direct impact on theformation and management of strategic alliances…
Abstract
An information‐driven, techno‐economic paradigm based on the microprocessor has emerged and is having a direct impact on the formation and management of strategic alliances. Strategic alliances are being forged between members of the computing, telecommunications and media industries to develop a supporting information infrastructure. Technology from the new infrastructure will affect strategic alliance activity in most industry sectors. Presents a brief review of strategic alliance definitions and taxonomies. Analyses a case study of an international hotel group operating within the Australasian region using a selected strategic alliance taxonomy against a range of information and communication technologies. Presents some key findings relating to the implementation of these technologies and their impacts on forming and managing strategic alliances.
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Yu-Shan Su and Wim Vanhaverbeke
Boundary-spanning exploration through establishing alliances is an effective strategy to explore technologies beyond local search in innovating firms. The purpose of this paper is…
Abstract
Purpose
Boundary-spanning exploration through establishing alliances is an effective strategy to explore technologies beyond local search in innovating firms. The purpose of this paper is to argue that it is useful to make a distinction in boundary-spanning exploration between what a firm learns from its alliance partners (explorative learning from partners (ELP)) and what it learns from other organisations (explorative learning from non-partners (ELN)).
Design/methodology/approach
The authors contend that alliances play a role in both types of exploration. More specifically, the authors discern three types of alliances (inside ties, clique-spanning ties and outside ties) based on their role vis-à-vis existing alliance cliques. Clique members are highly embedded, and breaking out of the cliques through clique-spanning and outside alliances is crucial to improving explorative learning. Thereafter, the authors claim that clique-spanning ties and outside ties have a different effect on ELN and ELP.
Findings
The empirical analysis of the “application specific integrated circuits” industry indicates that inside ties have negligible effects on both types of explorative learning. Clique-spanning ties have a positive effect on ELP, but not on ELN. The reverse is true for outside ties. The results show that research on explorative learning should devote greater attention to the various roles alliance partners and types of alliances play in advancing technological exploration.
Originality/value
The literature only emphasises the learning from partners, focussing mainly on accessing their technology. In sum, alliance partners play different roles in exploration, and their network position influences the role they are able to play.
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Teresa L. Ju, Shu‐Hui Chen, Chia‐Ying Li and Tien‐Shiang Lee
Based on theories of organizational learning and strategic considerations, this study aims to develop a strategic contingency model for technology alliance and identify how…
Abstract
Purpose
Based on theories of organizational learning and strategic considerations, this study aims to develop a strategic contingency model for technology alliance and identify how alliance‐specific factors, strategic factors, and organizational capability factors influence firms to acquire competencies and competitive advantages through technology alliance.
Design/methodology/approach
A six‐page, 94‐item survey questionnaire was developed and mailed to top‐level managers of the semiconductor firms in Taiwan. A total of 63 valid responses were received.
Findings
The study results indicate that firms with higher absorption orientation, higher risk reduction orientation, higher R&D scale economy orientation, and higher top management team experiences tend to perform better in acquiring competitive advantages. In addition, the strategic fit between strategic factors, organizational capability factors and technology alliance choice could lead firms to better competitive advantage.
Research limitations/implications
Although the results of this study are fruitful, several suggestions could be made for academicians and business practitioners. First, the respondent rate of this study is low and could be improved. Second, in addition to the strategic contingency model as developed in this study, more research factors could be further investigated. Third, more case studies could be conducted to reconfirm the results of this study.
Originality/value
The major contribution of this study is to investigate what critical factors would influence the choice of a technology alliance model, and what effects the influencing factors have on the relationship between a technology alliance model and the intended competency development. The results of this study provide very important references for academicians and practitioners to investigate the effectiveness of technology alliance.
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Philip O'Reilly and Patrick Finnegan
The purpose of this paper is to explore the development of a technology alliance for B2B marketplaces.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore the development of a technology alliance for B2B marketplaces.
Design/methodology/approach
In this paper there was a lack of rigorous empirical evidence in the area upon which to base this study, so an exploratory methodology chosen was deemed appropriate. An interpretative case study was undertaken in the Eutilia B2B marketplace. Data gathering took place over a three‐month period from July to September 2003. The data‐gathering techniques used were semi‐structured interviews and document analysis.
Findings
This paper draws upon research on co‐operative partnerships and strategic alliances to explore the applicability of technology alliances to business‐to‐business (B2B) electronic marketplaces. The paper explains a model developed by Eutilia, a leading B2B marketplace in the utilities sector, to justify such a technology alliance. The case study illustrates how Eutilia operationalised this model and entered a technology alliance with a competing B2B marketplace. The analysis shows how both marketplaces benefited from the technology‐alliance, and the paper concludes by proposing determinants of technology alliances for B2B electronic marketplaces.
Research limitations/implications
In this paper a single case study was the method adopted, so findings may not be generalisable.
Originality/value
This paper illustrates how B2B electronic marketplaces can benefit from technology alliances. This paper is of interest to both academics and practitioners involved in B2B electronic marketplaces.
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Yu Zhang, Jie Ni, Jian Liu and Li-rong Jian
– This paper aims to investigate the performance of Jiangsu Province industrial technology innovation strategy alliance.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to investigate the performance of Jiangsu Province industrial technology innovation strategy alliance.
Design/methodology/approach
Through a preliminary investigation of 30 Jiangsu industrial technology innovation strategic alliances, this paper analyzed the status and extracted 18 alliances to conduct an in-depth investigation. By grey evaluation method based on center-point triangular whitenization weight function, the paper classified and analyzed alliances.
Findings
The results show that university or research institutions-oriented alliance perform better, but the government/enterprise-oriented alliance perform diverse, and majority is rated “general”.
Originality/value
The paper succeeds in clustering analysis to Jiangsu Province industrial technology innovation strategy alliance with insufficient data. And according to the result of clustering, it analyzes the causes, which provide value information for the sustainable development of Jiangsu Province industrial technology innovation strategy alliance.
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Wang Daoping, Wei Xiaoyan and Fang Fang
This paper aims to explore the evolution mechanism of resources in a standard alliance that are matched with resources required at different standardization stages from the…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to explore the evolution mechanism of resources in a standard alliance that are matched with resources required at different standardization stages from the viewpoint of dynamic matching. How core enterprises in an alliance allocate resources, select member enterprises and maintain the normal operation of an alliance, according to the resource evolution of a standard alliance, is an important issue when dealing with the implementation of technology standardization.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors have chosen the Intelligent Grouping and Resource Sharing (IGRS) standard alliance of computer companies in China as the object of this study. The authors have built indices to identify core enterprises in the alliance from the viewpoint of network organization. The authors also collected data from authoritative news websites concerning patents and cooperative projects undertaken by 216 enterprises in the IGRS alliance during the period from 2002 to 2016, and they have computed and analyzed these data by using UCINET 6.0 software and social network analysis methodology to identify core enterprises at different standardization stages, thus revealing the evolution mechanism for resources in the standard alliance.
Findings
Technology standardization is divided into R&D, industrialization and marketization stages, and the standard alliance requires different resources to satisfy what is required at each of those different standardization stages. While technology standardization is a process during which technology systems standards are continuously being perfected and the standard product market is continuously expanding, the development of technology standardization affects the evolutionary processes of the core enterprises and affects the selection of member enterprises in the standard alliance.
Practical implications
The results obtained will assist the standard alliance to select proper member enterprises and dynamically match the alliance’s resources with the resources required at different standardization stages to speed up the implementation of independent standardization in China.
Originality/value
This study demonstrates the evolution mechanism of resources in technology standard alliances at different standardization stages by using quantitative analysis methodology, and it enriches the research on which elements are influential for technology standardization’s development in the context of China’s social, economic and cultural characteristics.
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Firms tend to transfer more knowledge in technology joint ventures compared to contractual technology agreements. Using insights from new institutional economics, this chapter…
Abstract
Firms tend to transfer more knowledge in technology joint ventures compared to contractual technology agreements. Using insights from new institutional economics, this chapter explores to what extent the alliance governance association with interfirm knowledge transfer is sensitive to an evolving industry norm of collaboration connected to the logic of open innovation. The chapter examines 1,888 dyad-year observations on firms engaged in technology alliances in the U.S. information technology industry during 1980–1999. Using fixed effects linear models, it analyzes longitudinal changes in the alliance governance association with interfirm knowledge transfer, and how such changes vary in magnitude across bilateral versus multipartner alliances, and across computers, telecommunications equipment, software, and microelectronics subsectors. Increases in industry-level alliance activity during 1980–1999 improved the knowledge transfer performance of contractual technology agreements relative to more hierarchical equity joint ventures. This effect was concentrated in bilateral rather than multipartner alliances, and in the software and microelectronics rather than computers and telecommunications equipment subsectors. Therefore, an evolving industry norm of collaboration may sometimes make more arms-length governance of a technology alliance a credible substitute for equity ownership, which can reduce the costs of interfirm R&D. Overall, the chapter shows that the performance of material practices that constitute innovation ecosystems, such as interfirm technology alliances, may differ over time subject to prevailing institutional norms of open innovation. This finding generates novel implications for the literatures on alliances, open innovation, and innovation ecosystems.
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