Business networks along innovation life cycle. Issue 3 (1st May 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Codini, Anna Paola
• Editors: Chiara Cantù, Dr Daniela Corsaro and Prof Annalisa Tunisini, Dr
• Is Part Of: Journal of business & industrial marketing. Volume 30:Issue 3/4(2015)
• Page Start: 329
• Page End: 341
• Publication Date: 2015-05-01
• Subjects: Innovation -- Longitudinal study -- Business networks -- Technology life cycle -- Textile sector; Industrial marketing -- Periodicals; 658.804
• DOI: 10.1108/JBIM-11-2012-0235
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0885-8624

Abstract

Abstract : Purpose: – This paper aims to investigate how the relationships among the different actors within the business networks affect the evolution of innovation along the different steps of technology life cycle. Design/methodology/approach: – The study is supported by a longitudinal case study referred to a mechanical company operating in the knitting machineries industry. A triangulation method integrating multiple data sources in a multiple method design was used to gather data. Findings: – The longitudinal study supports the idea that interactions among the actors within the business networks heavily influence the technology evolution. Research limitations/implications: – Although the longitudinal case study reported in this paper refers to a period of time of about 10 years, our findings refer only to a single case study in a specific sector and so they cannot be generalized. Practical implications: – This paper provides important guidelines on how to manage the relationships emerging within a business network to influence the new technologies development. Originality/value: – The paper contributes to business networks literature, filling the gaps about how the relationships among the actors involved in a network can evolve over time and influence the evolution of technology in itself.