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Effect of R&D Collaboration with Research Organizations on Innovation: The Mediation Effect of Environmental Performance

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  • Gun Jea Yu

    (College of Business Administration, Hongik University, 94 Wausan-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul 121-791, Korea)

  • Seung-Yoon Rhee

    (College of Business Administration, Hongik University, 94 Wausan-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul 121-791, Korea)

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to advance our understanding of corporate environmental performance by linking its antecedents and consequences. This study examined how collaboration with research organizations, as a proactive strategic decision, influences the environmental performance of firms, which in turn leads to innovation performance. Using the data collected from 597 Korean firms representing a cross-section of industries, we found that a firm’s collaboration with research organizations positively affected the firm’s environmental performance, which positively influenced its innovation performance. Furthermore, the results indicated a full mediation effect of environmental performance on the relationship between collaboration with research organizations and innovation performance. This study offers a more comprehensive understanding of corporate environmental performance and discusses implications for innovation performance. Limitations and future research directions are also discussed.

Suggested Citation

  • Gun Jea Yu & Seung-Yoon Rhee, 2015. "Effect of R&D Collaboration with Research Organizations on Innovation: The Mediation Effect of Environmental Performance," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 7(9), pages 1-19, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:7:y:2015:i:9:p:11998-12016:d:54955
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