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Overcoming openness paradox in open networks: A configurational approach

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  • Ding, Yixin
  • Wu, Jianfeng

Abstract

The research on how to manage the openness paradox in corporate innovation networks makes for an interesting topic in the innovation literature. This study investigates the configurational effects of innovative search, appropriability, and open network characteristics on corporate innovation performance. To this end, the study samples 593 Chinese manufacturers using the qualitative comparative analysis method. Empirical findings show that three open strategies improve innovation performance—the patent applicant-dominant, balanced, and explorative search-dominant strategies in low-level, high-level, and high- or low-level geographic and organizational research and development (R&D) networks, respectively. This study also reveals the critical role of an R&D network in open strategies. Specifically, firms with high-level geographic or organizational R&D networks tend to adopt complementary open strategies, whereas those with low-level R&D networks prefer substitutive open strategies. These findings guide firms to choose suitable open strategies in innovation networks.

Suggested Citation

  • Ding, Yixin & Wu, Jianfeng, 2022. "Overcoming openness paradox in open networks: A configurational approach," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 150(C), pages 528-537.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jbrese:v:150:y:2022:i:c:p:528-537
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jbusres.2022.06.037
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