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Collaboration and Innovation in Sweden and Bulgaria: A Study of a Mature Industry

Author

Listed:
  • Maya Hoveskog

    (Halmstad University, School of Business and Engineering, Sweden)

  • Diana Antonova

    (University of Rousse, Faculty of Business and Management, Bulgaria)

Abstract

Nowadays, creation, exchange and transfer of knowledge (CETK) are turning into the most significant activity for companies. This article sheds light on Swedish and Bulgarian companies within a mature industry in terms of their knowledge flows for collaboration and innovation. Companies from the two countries as well as Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and large firms are compared. Quantitative and qualitative research methods are combined. A set of variables which have a positive relationship with the companies' research and development (R&D) activities and innovation is developed. It was found out that the set of variables employed can predict the innovation and R&D of companies, laying of electrochemical and conversion surface treatments with functional and decorative purposes (ECSTFDP) for the sample. In both countries innovation and R&D are positively affected by places for knowledge exchange followed by collaboration factors and market situation. However, the factors for collaboration and interaction are the most important for increasing the innovation activities in companies with ECSTFDP, irrespective of size, age and country of operation. Moreover, the article reveals the vital role of the social element in the CETK, which is also emphasized in the knowledge management literature. Furthermore, it illustrates that companies are influenced by the number of factors in this collaboration and actively evaluate the trade-offs from it. Additionally, the dynamics of the market is setting the pace and degree of newness of innovation and R&D activities.

Suggested Citation

  • Maya Hoveskog & Diana Antonova, 2011. "Collaboration and Innovation in Sweden and Bulgaria: A Study of a Mature Industry," International Journal of Business and Economic Sciences Applied Research (IJBESAR), Democritus University of Thrace (DUTH), Kavala Campus, Greece, vol. 4(1), pages 121-151, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:tei:journl:v:4:y:2011:i:1:p:121-151
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    collaboration; innovations; mature industries;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • O31 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Innovation and Invention: Processes and Incentives
    • O32 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Management of Technological Innovation and R&D
    • L61 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Manufacturing - - - Metals and Metal Products; Cement; Glass; Ceramics

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