The impact of R%D collaboration networks on the performance of firms: a meta-analysis of the evidence

A rich body of literature investigating the impact of R%D collaboration networks on the innovation performance of firms and regions has developed over the last two decades. The first aim of this paper is to evaluate the results of this literature. Second, a classification and critical discussion of the established methods and approaches used in the literature to investigate this research question is provided. Thirdly, this paper aims to answer the question of whether the results achieved in the literature are predetermined by the methods employed. Lastly, relevant gaps for further research are identified. In order to do this, a meta-analysis of the relevant literature is conducted. This paper finds that knowledge intensive interactions have a positive impact on the performance of firms and regions. There is also evidence that the methods employed and the approaches followed in the literature to investigate this relationship predetermine the outcome of the research. This paper provides a classification of the methodological approaches utilised in the literature and illustrates the advantages and drawbacks of those approaches. The search for non-linear relationships between R%D collaboration and performance as well as the utilisation of alternative collaboration measures are examples for relevant research gaps.