Exploring relational norms in exporter-importer product innovation co-development: A qualitative study

Oksana Kantaruk Pierre, Raluca Mogos Descotes and José Pla-Barber

International Business Review, 2024, vol. 33, issue 1

Abstract: This research investigates the role of relational norms in facilitating importers' engagement in product innovation co-development with exporters. Through a qualitative approach, we conducted interviews with top managers of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) involved in exporting activities in France. Guided by the theoretical framework of Relational Exchange Theory (Macneil, 1980; Dwyer et al., 1987), our study uncovers the significant potential for successful product innovation co-development when importers actively contribute as knowledge sources and co-developers. Additionally, we highlight the importance of cooperation, continuity expectations, and equity norms as external factors that shape the co-development process of new products between exporters and importers. By comprehending and embracing these relational norms, exporters can strengthen their collaborative endeavors with importers and effectively drive the co-development of innovative products.

Keywords: Collaborative innovation; Exporting SMEs; Relational norms; Exporter-importer relationship; Exporter-importer new product co-development (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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DOI: 10.1016/j.ibusrev.2023.102197

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