Social capital and innovation in a life science cluster: the role of proximity and family involvement

Tommaso Pucci (), Mara Brumana (), Tommaso Minola () and Lorenzo Zanni ()
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Tommaso Pucci: University of Siena
Mara Brumana: University of Bergamo
Tommaso Minola: University of Bergamo
Lorenzo Zanni: University of Siena

The Journal of Technology Transfer, 2020, vol. 45, issue 1, No 9, 205-227

Abstract: Abstract This paper investigates the effect of different typologies of a firm’s relationships on innovation performance. Existing literature tends to emphasise the role of social capital in order to acquire knowledge and hence develop innovation. However, the literature is still ambiguous and reports conflicting findings about the effect of social capital on innovation outcomes, thus suggesting the need to examine differences in a firm’s relationships. Findings from a survey conducted on 145 firms belonging to the Tuscan Life Sciences cluster show that: (1) the number of local relationships (i.e. relationships within the cluster) is curvilinearly related to R&D effectiveness (inverted U-shape); (2) the number of distant relationships (i.e. relationships outside the cluster) is positively related to R&D effectiveness; and (3) family involvement positively moderates the effect of local relationships on R&D effectiveness. Post-hoc analyses reveal a three-way interaction between the number of local relationships, number of distant relationships and family involvement, suggesting that family firms are particularly able to take advantage of the combination of local and distant relationships to produce innovation outcomes.

Keywords: Social capital; Innovation; Technological cluster; Life science industry; Family business (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: L26 M10 O32 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (12)

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DOI: 10.1007/s10961-017-9591-y

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