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Selling science: Resource mobilization strategies in the emerging field of nanotechnology

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  • Yu-Chieh Lo, Jade

Abstract

Pioneers in emerging scientific and technology fields face liabilities of newness at both individual and collective levels. Insights from the literature of institutional entrepreneurship and sociology of knowledge suggest that, to overcome this double hurdle, early entrants may want to participate in a field’s hot center and connect their ideas to multiple existing fields to broaden their audience. However, these strategies have their drawbacks too, and the payoff of these strategies also decreases as a field gains cognitive legitimacy. Moreover, both the positive and negative effects of these mobilization strategies are more pronounced for less-experienced scientists. Findings from a comprehensive database on grant proposals in the emerging field of nanotechnology confirm these propositions, suggesting that an effective mobilization strategy is a balancing act between isomorphism and differentiation, breadth and boundary maintenance, especially in early stages of field development.

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  • Yu-Chieh Lo, Jade, 2015. "Selling science: Resource mobilization strategies in the emerging field of nanotechnology," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 44(8), pages 1513-1526.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:respol:v:44:y:2015:i:8:p:1513-1526
    DOI: 10.1016/j.respol.2015.05.005
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    Cited by:

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    2. Verdu-Jover, Antonio J. & Alos-Simo, Lirios & Gomez-Gras, Jose-Maria, 2018. "Adaptive culture and product/service innovation outcomes," European Management Journal, Elsevier, vol. 36(3), pages 330-340.
    3. Yi-Chi Hsiao & Hsueh-Liang Wu & Chun-Ping Yeh, 2023. "An investigation of the bridging interface strategies used by Chinese MNE when undertaking FDI to Taiwan," Asian Business & Management, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 22(4), pages 1485-1512, September.
    4. Guan, Jian Cheng & Yan, Yan, 2016. "Technological proximity and recombinative innovation in the alternative energy field," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 45(7), pages 1460-1473.
    5. Lo, Jade Y. & Li, Haiyang, 2018. "In the eyes of the beholder: The effect of participant diversity on perceived merits of collaborative innovations," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 47(7), pages 1229-1242.

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