bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Information technology impacts on innovation
Authors: Lee Soonchul , Treacy Michael E. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractIn this paper, we propose a model of Information Technology (IT) impacts on innovation. We do not intend to generalize a specific model of innovation. Rather, the objective here is to explain how IT can facilitate innovation in a work group. Review of literature suggests that innovative ability of a work group is dependent on the capabilities of the individuals/group, the structure of the work group or organization, and the group/organizational environments. To explore this conceptual model, data were collected from 136 users who used well‐established information systems. The data supported that IT enhanced innovation significantly by augmenting individual/group capabilities through: 1) motivation support, 2) resource support, and 3) information support. Motivation support was shown to be the most important contributor of innovation. Group interaction variables, standardization, decentralization, and specialization, were shown to be positively related to innovation. However, the effect of group interaction was secondary in nature; the independent contributions to innovation of group interaction variables, controlling for other factors, were not significant. In addition, the data provided support that innovation was positively related to demand pull via motivation and resource support, and to technology push via information support.
Industrywide technical product standards
Authors: Reddy N. Mohan , Cort Stanton G. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractTechnology, by its very nature, creates a high degree of interdependence in the industrial marketplace. Customers buy products for use with other products in a production system. The consequent requirement for technical compatibility constrains managers' freedom in developing products and marketing programmes. lndustrywide product standards, and the process of setting them, play a complex and little discussed role in enabling managers to deal with these constraints. This article provides a market‐based examination of product standards and that role.
New product success factors: A comparison of ‘kills’ versus successes and failures
Authors: Cooper R. G. , Kleinschmidt E. J. 
Published: May 2007

The paper reports an analysis of the characteristics of those new projects that are killed, that is, terminated before commercialisation. Such projects constitute the majority of new product projects. The authors' aim was to learn from the differences between ‘kills’ and those that are commercialised. The latter may, of course, turn out to be successes or failures.Their sample consisted of 250 new projects of which 123 were ultimately successful, 80 failed and 47 were kills. Two hypotheses were tested: that kills and failures had similar characteristics and that kills differed from successes in the way that failures differed from successes. Four groups of multidimensional project characteristics were measured: product advantage, market attractiveness, competitive situation, and synergy/familiarity.The results showed that neither hypothesis was generally supported, The patterns of characteristics observed were complex but were unravelled through a computer model simulating how managers perform the evaluation process. It showed that the results could be explained on the basis that errors could be made in evaluation. For example, it is difficult to evaluate product advantage. Surprisingly, competitive situation is not a discriminator between successes, failures and kills but managers treat it as if it were. Some characteristics are perceived by managers to be negative although they are, in fact, favourable to project success.The authors claim that these results should lead to better allocation of R&D resources among proposed projects.
Interdisciplinary research centres — a problem in strategy and management
Authors: Hoch Paul K. 
Published: May 2007

Interdisciplinary research centres (IRCs) in the UK were originally set up by the UK Advisory Board for Research Councils (the ABRC) to foster cross‐disciplinary basic research. This activity was seen to be a fruitful way to help British industry overcome some of its current technological shortcomings. The author describes the strategy pursued by the ABRC in setting up the IRCs, their location, staffing policies, relationship to industry and other characteristics.The author indicates the problems faced by IRC managements in the present situation. There is financial stringency, they have to ensure continuity of expertise, a problem posed by the ABRC's insistence on a very small permanent core staff at each centre, and they have the difficult task of directing basic research, which has its own internal logic, towards externally defined objectives thought to be relevant to the British national interest.The author believes that only radical change can guarantee a successful future for the IRCs but is pessimistic that the ABRC's present tactics will procure it.
Design, innovation and corporate integration
Authors: Rothwell R. , Whiston T. G. 
Published: May 2007

Functional integration is a new trend in corporate organization. By changing the balance between functional differentiation and integration, functional integration gives up some supposed economies of scale and benefits from division of labour in order to increase the degree of interaction and task‐sharing between diverse functions. The aim is to achieve faster response to threats and opportunities in the persistent turbulent business environment of today. The exact location of the new functional boundaries and inter dependencies differs from industry to industry; in some cases external integration, say with customers or suppliers, may be justifiable. Advantage can be taken from new forms of organization such as flatter hierarchies, the building of interfunctional teams, and the adoption of new design and manufacturing control technologies.The paper gives examples of functional integration and discusses implications and problems generated by its adoption. Some of the implications may eventually induce radical rethinks on a whole range of presuppositions about corporate structure, relationships between the firm and its suppliers and customers, the role of management, industrial relations and the socio‐cultural impact of increasing reliance on automated information systems.
Organizational strategy and resource allocation for technological turnaround
Authors: Moenaert Rudy K. , Deschoolmeester Dirk , De Meyer Arnoud , Barbé Jan 
Published: May 2007

AbstractA major issue for organizations planning for technological turnaround concerns the question of how to internalize the new technology. This article reports the findings of an exploratory research that addressed this problem. A multiple case study approach has been used to study and analyze the different strategies and organizational approaches to absorb alien technologies (in‐house development, intercompany co‐operation, purchase of technology, contract research, joint‐venture, acquisition). On the basis of the results, a propositional framework has been developed which offers managers a perspective to develop a strategy with respect to the appropriate organizational design to ‘de‐mature’ technologically mature business units.
Financial planning issues concerning funding, pricing and organization of corporate R&D activity: A case study
Authors: Rao P. M. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractThis paper is a case study of financial planning issues concerning funding, pricing, and the organization of corporate research and development (R&D) activity faced by American Telephone and Telegraph Company (AT&T) after the break up of the Bell System. The paper concludes that from the standpoint of financial planning, and in the context of firms similar to AT&T, a variant of the predivestiture model, rather than a profit centre model or a market model, appears to be the most efficient way of funding, pricing and organizing corporate R&D activity.
Ordinal quantification of the concept of technology through pooled consensus
Authors: Nimgade Ashok , Sonk Joseph 
Published: May 2007

This paper explores the possibility of combining multiple linear regression (MLR) analysis with the Delphi method to allow for the ordinal quantification of important attributes of technology. To demonstrate implementation of this method, 18 scientists and managers, with 227 pooled years of relevant industrial experience, were asked to assess the application of several pharmaceutical drug delivery technologies to particular prescription (Rx) and over‐the‐counter (OTC) products. Study participants were only asked to think about variables intrinsic to the concept of technology (here, differentiation, sophistication, and development cost) and to assume exogenous variables such as price as background constant. For comparable sets of technology‐product combinations participant evaluations were used to assess the following pilot MLR model in which:Market share = a +βd Differentiation +βS Sophistication +βc Development Cost.For OTC products, Differentiation, and to some extent Sophistication, were found to be the most important significant independent variables. For Rx products, Sophistication was the major significant independent variable. These findings make sense considering that OTC products are sold directly to end users whereas Rx products are dispensed through physicians or pharmacists.Further studies are warranted to see if given the statistical superiority of pooled consensus over individual forecasts, the method described here might also be used to help choose revenue‐maximizing products and to discover relevant product development principles.
An assessment of science parks: Towards a better understanding of their role in the diffusion of technological knowledge
Authors: Van Dierdonck Roland , Debackere Koenraad , Rappa Michael A. 
Published: May 2007

This paper examines the role of university science parks in fostering interorganizational technology transfers and technological development. We first try to contrast the development of science parks with the theoretical and empirical findings from scholarly work in the area of the management of technology. This theoretical context allows us to interpret and to discuss empirical data collected from Belgian and Dutch science park firms. The data collection mainly focused on the interactions of park‐based firms with their external R&D environment. This analysis leads to two important findings: (1) the level of R&D activity at the tenants is rather moderate for most of the parks studied, and (2) the tension between ‘regionalism’ and ‘internationalism’ in contemporary R&D management.In the wake of this second finding, arguments are presented to complement and even to change the focus from the ‘miniature’ R&D network which might develop on university science parks toward the ‘R&D community’ network holding together researchers working on a particular, interrelated set of scientific and technological problems wherever they may be located around the globe. Moreover, it is argued that a unified theory on the emergence and the development of new technologies is badly needed. Only if the dynamics underlying the development of a new technology are unravelled and better understood can technology policies, such as the ones involving the creation of science parks, be targeted more effectively.
External linkages and innovation in small and medium‐sized enterprises
Authors: Rothwell Roy , Dodgson Mark 
Published: May 2007

While small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) can enjoy a number of behavioural advantages over their larger counterparts in the innovation process (e.g. rapid response to external threats and opportunities; efficient internal communication; interactive management style), they can also suffer from a number of mainly material disadvantages (e.g. inability to spread risk over a portfolio of new products; difficulties in market start‐up abroad; problems in funding longer‐term R&D). One area in which SMEs can suffer a marked disadvantage is that of establishing the appropriate network of contacts with external sources of scientific and technological expertise and advice.This paper addresses the issue of SMEs’ external linkages and presents data from a number of studies showing the importance of in‐house technical skills to linkage activity; the importance of complementary between in‐house and external know‐how accumulation; and the importance of technology strategy in guiding the accumulation process. SME‐oriented public technology policies should be adapted to the specific needs of SMEs in that they should focus on facilitating vertical (supplier‐manufacturercustomer) linkages and offer support throughout the innovation chain from pre‐ competitive research through to product development.Numerous studies testify to the importance of firms extensively ‘networking’ in order to improve innovation potential (for example, Mowery, 1988; Contractor and Lorange, 1988; CEST, 1990). The majority of these studies focus on formal technology agreements, such as R&D joint ventures,; tend to feature large firm collaboration rather than that undertaken by small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs); and while they often refer to the management problems involved in collaboration, few examine their management in any depth.This paper will describe the extensive collaborations of innovative SMEs, and will emphasise how the employment of key personnel affects the range and scope of linkages. It will highlight the broad diversity of linkages used by SMEs for technological development. And, by means of a case study of a highly technologically advanced SME, it will examine some of the most important management problems facing the collaborative process.
Strategic alliances between large and small research intensive organizations: experiences in the biotechnology industry
Authors: Forrest Janet E. , Martin M. J. C. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractFor many firms, entering into some form of collaborative arrangement with other organizations has become a necessary step towards improving their competitive positions. This is particularly true of research intensive companies which frequently participate in such strategic alliances (SAs). This paper reports on the experiences of some 70 North American firms with SAs in the biotechnology industry. The sample includes small dedicated biotechnology companies (DBCs) and large organizations, such as pharmaceutical firms.
The role of process plant contractors in transferring technology
Authors: Grieve A. , Ball D. F. 
Published: May 2007

Process plant contractors implement and bring to fruition the capital investment programmes in such sectors as chemicals and metals. In undertaking a contract they perform all or a number of the following: plant design and engineering, supply of process technology, procurement of equipment, supervision of construction, plant commissioning, and the arrangement of project finance. Specific characteristics of the industry are the variety of functions undertaken by the contractor and operation on a worldwide basis.The nature and extent of contractor involvement in transferring technology is determined by a complex interaction of a number of economic and technological factors. The source of technology may be ‘in‐house’, a long term licence agreement, or some specific arrangement to meet a particular enquiry. The paper illustrates the various means for technology transfer drawing on examples from the experience of one contractor.
Stimulating ‘hot technologies’: interorganizational networks in Dutch ceramic research
Authors: Groenewegen Peter 
Published: May 2007

AbstractThe role of interorganizational R&D networks between firms and universities in knowledge transfer of advanced technologies is analyzed. The starting assumption (coinciding with reasons of government bodies to support technological cooperation) is that a national knowledge and technology system exists. From this assumption a number of questions that exist about knowledge and technology transfer can be discussed. Notably whether the knowledge push model of technological innovation is valid. This is done through the analysis of the differences in the pattern of external contacts that exists between the scientific, industrial and policy organizations.Empirical results of a case study of the stimulation of advanced ceramic technology by the Dutch government form the basis. Advanced ceramics is considered to be an emergent technology within the larger framework of generic technologies. However, the Dutch university and industry structure in this area is weak which raises a number of important questions about the possibility to built a technological infrastructure through government support. The paper concentrates on the role of resource and information flows, which characterize the position of specific organizations in the R&D network. The three main positions in this case are occupied by government bodies, various firms and the university and government laboratories.Two conclusions on knowledge transfer in university‐industry cooperation may be drawn. (a) Institutional (government and university) and industrial research networks are different in character and in fact they consist of different network elements. (b) Government policies, in this case, affect the outlook of scientists but not of firms.
The coordination structure of international collaborative technology arrangements
Authors: Bailetti A. J. , Callahan J. R. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractAs the pace and breadth of technological progress increases around the world, companies both large and small are forming international collaborative arrangements as the basis for developing competitive advantage from technology. Management of these arrangements requires the creation and maintenance of a wide variety of strategic and operational interdependencies within and between companies. The paper introduces a method for developing a representation leading to a system level understanding of the coordination structure of international collaborative arrangements. The method is based on recent advances in coordination theory and object oriented domain analysis. We apply the method to represent four international collaborative arrangements. The representations that result are then used as data to identify five basic modules of the coordination structure of international collaborative arrangements: strategic management, intra‐firm management, joint management, technology exchange and customer interaction. The proposed method leads to increased organizational learning of the goal oriented coordination processes for which managers are responsible when establishing international collaborative technology arrangements.
Cross‐Pacific internationalization of R&D by U.S. and Japanese firms
Authors: Westney D. Eleanor. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractEfforts by MNCs to develop coordinated international R&D networks have taken place from different historical bases of internationalization and in the context of differing trends in the role of R&D within the corporation, as the cross‐Pacific R&D investment in leading U.S. and Japanese firms in the electronics industry shows. Japanese firms, although they espouse a strategy of ‘localization’, are establishing wholly‐owned R&D centres in the U.S. with highly specialized technology mandates that to be used by the company must be networked with their parent organizations. U.S. firms rely on joint ventures or wholly‐owned labs with a wider array of technologies that face strong pulls to a local orientation. The patterns are somewhat out of line with the models of internationalization each side is espousing.
Decision parameters in global R&D management
Authors: Pearson Alan , Brockhoff Klaus , Von Boehmer Alexander 
Published: May 2007

AbstractThis paper addresses the question of which variables have what kind of impact on the decision to locate new R&D facilities in countries different from the home country of a corporation. In the first section of the paper we demonstrate the complexity of this question by referring to empirical research, managerial statements and literature. We then develop a conceptual model for the location decision of international R&D activities. This is based on Porter's (1990) framework of the factors constituting the competitive advantage of nations. In the final section of this paper we show how such a model helps us to understand and also to explain a number of management issues related to global R&D activities.
‘Biological’ revolution and strategies for innovation in pharmaceutical companies
Authors: della Valle Francesco , Gambardella Alfonso 
Published: May 2007

AbstractFundamental advances in the life sciences are exerting a profound influence on the structure of the pharmaceutical industry and the strategies of drug companies. The ‘biological’ revolution makes it possible to apply a scientific method to drug research. This paper argues that pharmaceutical companies can take advantage of the new method only if they encourage ‘openness’ of their research. We also offer a framework to explain why innovations in this industry increasingly result from networks of agents with complementary skills and resources. Greater use of scientific knowledge implies that important information for innovation can be expressed in relatively general and universal forms. This eases information exchange, and encourages specialisation and division of labour in drug R&D and marketing. Finally, the possibility of a division of labour in innovation opens new opportunities for medium‐sized national pharmaceutical firms in Europe. Provided that they found their strategies on high‐quality research in specialised niches, they can set up alliances with partners that possess complementary knowledge, and supply resources for clinical development and international marketing.
Managerial perceptions of technology licensing as an alternative to internal R&D in new product development: an empirical investigation
Authors: Atuahene‐Gima Kwaku , Patterson Paul 
Published: May 2007

AbstractIncreasingly, companies are using the licensing approach to acquire external technology as an alternative to internal new product development. However, the licensing literature presents lists of benefits and costs without identifying either their relative importance or the underlying dimensions. This article presents the results of a survey of Australian licensee firms designed to fill this gap in the literature. The results show that the major reason for licensing relates more to the immediate need to gain competitive advantage than the relative low cost advantage of technology licensing or having access to future technology. The major impediments to licensing are the entry and exit costs and the loss of decision‐making autonomy resulting from licensor‐imposed restrictions. Further, only two factors, perceived search costs and low cost market entry advantage of licensing appear to vary among the industries studied. Future research and managerial implications of the results are discussed.
Organisational, technical and marketing antecedents for successful new product development
Authors: Calantone Roger J. , Di Benedetto C. Anthony , Divine Richard 
Published: May 2007

AbstractPrevious research in new product development has examined the role of organisational structure and marketing and technical skills and activities in encouraging successful innovation. This study examines the role played by organisational structure in supporting the marketing and technical/production activities in new product development, and direct and indirect effects of all of these antecedents on new product success. The goal of the study is to observe which factors lead to product success and to determine how they interconnect. Implications for new product management are provided in the concluding section.