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Remote Collaboration, Absorptive Capacity, and the Innovative Output of High-tech Small Firms

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  • Luca Berchicci
  • Jeroen P.J. de Jong
  • Mark Freel

Abstract

It is generally recognized that firms’ innovative performance can be enhanced by collaborating with remote partners. However, remote collaborations are not without challenges, as geographical distance may frustrate tacit knowledge transfer and inter-organizational learning. We investigate the moderating role of absorptive capacity by proposing that the higher firms’ R&D intensity, the stronger the relationship between remote collaboration and their share of new product revenues. Drawing on survey data of 250 Dutch high-tech small firms, it is confirmed that remote collaboration is associated with innovative performance, but at low values of R&D intensity this relationship disappears.

Suggested Citation

  • Luca Berchicci & Jeroen P.J. de Jong & Mark Freel, 2013. "Remote Collaboration, Absorptive Capacity, and the Innovative Output of High-tech Small Firms," DRUID Working Papers 13-01, DRUID, Copenhagen Business School, Department of Industrial Economics and Strategy/Aalborg University, Department of Business Studies.
    • Handle: RePEc:aal:abbswp:13-01
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    Cited by:

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    2. Luis Enrique Valdez-Juárez & Mauricio Castillo-Vergara & Elva Alicia Ramos-Escobar, 2022. "Innovative Business Strategies in the Face of COVID-19: An Approach to Open Innovation of SMEs in the Sonora Region of Mexico," JOItmC, MDPI, vol. 8(1), pages 1-24, March.

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