Determinants of innovation collaboration selection: a comparative analysis of Korea and Germany. Issue 2 (3rd April 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ahn, Joon Mo; Kim, Dong-bok; Moon, Seongwuk
• Is Part Of: Innovation. Volume 19:Issue 2(2017)
• Page Start: 125
• Page End: 145
• Publication Date: 2017-04-03
• Subjects: Innovation collaboration -- comparative study -- Korea -- Germany; Research, Industrial -- Asia -- Periodicals; Research, Industrial -- Pacific Area -- Periodicals; Technological innovations -- Asia -- Periodicals; Technological innovations -- Pacific Area -- Periodicals; Research, Industrial; Technological innovations; Asia; Pacific Area; Electronic journals; Periodicals; 658.4063
• DOI: 10.1080/14479338.2016.1241152
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1447-9338

Abstract

Abstract: With the complexity of technology increasing and globalisation becoming more common, the importance of collaboration in innovation implementation has increased in recent years. The literature has investigated collaboration in various ways, but the scope of the research has been fragmented and mainly confined to single- or similar-country contexts. To address this research gap, this paper investigated the different innovation strategy configurations in vertical, horizontal and international collaborations in two innovative countries: Korea and Germany. Empirical analyses using Korean and German Community Innovation Surveys suggest that (1) vertical collaboration is implemented when a firm engages in innovation to optimise existing core competencies; (2) horizontal collaboration with partners outside a value chain can play an important role in identifying new opportunities in a new market; and (3) the fit between innovation strategy and collaboration type can be differently configured across countries. Based on these findings, this paper suggests practical implications for managers in firms.