Which neighbor is more conducive to innovation? The moderating effect of partners’ innovation

Jiuling Xiao, Yuting Bao () and Jiankang Wang
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Jiuling Xiao: Nanjing Audit University
Yuting Bao: Nanjing Audit University
Jiankang Wang: Nanjing Audit University

The Journal of Technology Transfer, 2023, vol. 48, issue 1, No 2, 33-67

Abstract: Abstract Exploitative innovation and exploratory innovation have been a research focus in the field of innovation. This study proposes retrospective innovation based on this innovation classification by combining the spatial and temporal dimensions of knowledge in greater detail. Retrospective innovation focuses on discovering the new value of previous knowledge and reapplying it to innovation activities. Combining the embeddedness of organizational innovation in geographic networks, collaborative networks, and knowledge networks, the impacts of three attribute proximity (geographic proximity, technological proximity and social proximity) on the three types of innovation are explored. This study investigates these relationships using patent data from the nano-biopharmaceutical field. The findings suggest that geographic proximity positively influences exploitative innovation. Technological proximity promotes exploitative innovation but has a negative effect on retrospective and exploratory innovation. Social proximity has a positive effect on exploitative and exploratory innovation, but negatively affects retrospective innovation. In addition, the moderating effect of collaborators’ innovation on the above relationships is also considered. Exploitative innovation of collaborators positively moderates the relationship between geographic proximity and exploitative innovation. A high level of retrospective innovation of collaborators enhances the negative effect of technological proximity on retrospective innovation of the focal organization, and weakens the negative effect of social proximity on retrospective innovation of the focal organization. A high level of exploratory innovation of collaborators enhances the negative effect of technological proximity on exploratory innovation in the focal organization.

Keywords: Exploitative innovation; Retrospective innovation; Exploratory innovation; Multiple networks; Attribute proximity; Partners’ innovation (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O32 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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DOI: 10.1007/s10961-021-09905-x

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