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Exploring the relational dimension in a smart innovation ecosystem: a comprehensive framework to define the network structure and the network portfolio

Author

Listed:
  • Eva Panetti

    (Parthenope University of Naples)

  • Adele Parmentola

    (Parthenope University of Naples)

  • Marco Ferretti

    (Parthenope University of Naples)

  • Elisabeth Beck Reynolds

    (Massachusetts Institute of Technology)

Abstract

This study analyses the relational dimension and the knowledge transfer mechanisms in an innovation ecosystems (IEs), assuming that the bottom-up creation of synergies and cooperative mechanisms between local actors are the drivers of a regional smart growth. More specifically, the study explores the configuration of the network structure and the variety of inter-organizational relationships in a case of a smart IE by capturing the heterogeneous nature of IE demography, whether most studies limit their analyses to inter-firm relationships and at the node-level. Secondly, the paper provides insights into the network portfolio composition, which has been underexplored in IE literature, allowing for the identification of those relationships considered more fruitful to enhance innovation processes from a local perspective. To capture both aspects of IE’s relational dimension (i.e. network structure and network portfolio of relationships) our paper adopts an explorative approach, by taking evidence from the empirical study of the biopharma IE in greater Boston area, which has been exemplified as a successful case. Our empirical study combines two methods, namely social network analysis and expert interviews. Firstly, we conduct a social network analysis to gain insights about the optimal network structure and secondly, we conduct a round of semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders in the ecosystem to explore the characteristics of the desirable network portfolio. Our findings show that a smart IE presents an open network structure with structural holes, a high level of modularity and a portfolio of relationships that privileges informal and non-redundant ties within small communities focused on specific themes.

Suggested Citation

  • Eva Panetti & Adele Parmentola & Marco Ferretti & Elisabeth Beck Reynolds, 2020. "Exploring the relational dimension in a smart innovation ecosystem: a comprehensive framework to define the network structure and the network portfolio," The Journal of Technology Transfer, Springer, vol. 45(6), pages 1775-1796, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:jtecht:v:45:y:2020:i:6:d:10.1007_s10961-019-09735-y
    DOI: 10.1007/s10961-019-09735-y
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    2. María J. Ibáñez & Maribel Guerrero & Claudia Yáñez-Valdés & Sebastián Barros-Celume, 2022. "Digital social entrepreneurship: the N-Helix response to stakeholders’ COVID-19 needs," The Journal of Technology Transfer, Springer, vol. 47(2), pages 556-579, April.
    3. Wenjing Wang & Yiwei Liu, 2022. "Does University-industry innovation community affect firms’ inventions? The mediating role of technology transfer," The Journal of Technology Transfer, Springer, vol. 47(3), pages 906-935, June.
    4. Massa, Lorenzo & Ardito, Lorenzo & Messeni Petruzzelli, Antonio, 2022. "Brokerage dynamics in technology transfer networks: A multi-case study," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 183(C).
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    6. Sun, Yutao & Jiang, Lin & Cao, Cong & Tseng, Fang-Mei, 2024. "From contributors to boundary spanners: Evolving roles of government agencies in China’s innovation policy network (1980–2019)," Technovation, Elsevier, vol. 132(C).
    7. Andrea Ancona & Matteo Cinelli & Giovanna Ferraro & Antonio Iovanella, 2023. "Network-based principles of entrepreneurial ecosystems: a case study of a start-up network," Small Business Economics, Springer, vol. 61(4), pages 1497-1514, December.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Innovation ecosystem; R&D relationships; Greater Boston area; Biotech; Biopharma; Innovation networks; Systems of innovation; Network structure; Network portfolio;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • L14 - Industrial Organization - - Market Structure, Firm Strategy, and Market Performance - - - Transactional Relationships; Contracts and Reputation
    • O32 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Management of Technological Innovation and R&D
    • R11 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - General Regional Economics - - - Regional Economic Activity: Growth, Development, Environmental Issues, and Changes
    • L24 - Industrial Organization - - Firm Objectives, Organization, and Behavior - - - Contracting Out; Joint Ventures
    • L26 - Industrial Organization - - Firm Objectives, Organization, and Behavior - - - Entrepreneurship
    • R58 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - Regional Government Analysis - - - Regional Development Planning and Policy

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