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SMEs innovating in collaborative networks: how does absorptive capacity matter for innovation performance in times of good partnership quality?

Author

Listed:
  • Lamiae Benhayoun-Sadafiyine

    (LITEM - Laboratoire en Innovation, Technologies, Economie et Management (EA 7363) - UEVE - Université d'Évry-Val-d'Essonne - Université Paris-Saclay - IMT-BS - Institut Mines-Télécom Business School - IMT - Institut Mines-Télécom [Paris], IMT-BS - TIM - Département Technologies, Information & Management - IMT - Institut Mines-Télécom [Paris] - IMT-BS - Institut Mines-Télécom Business School - IMT - Institut Mines-Télécom [Paris])

  • Néstor Fabián Ayala

    (UFRGS - Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul [Porto Alegre])

  • Marie-Anne Le Dain

    (G-SCOP_CC - Conception collaborative - G-SCOP - Laboratoire des sciences pour la conception, l'optimisation et la production - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique - UGA - Université Grenoble Alpes - Grenoble INP - Institut polytechnique de Grenoble - Grenoble Institute of Technology - UGA - Université Grenoble Alpes)

Abstract

Purpose - We investigate the impact of Absorptive Capacity (ACAP) for SMEs embedded in Collaborative Networks (CNs) on innovation performance, considering the network stages and the influence of partnership quality. Design/methodology/approach - We use a mixed methodology consisting of a qualitative than a quantitative phase. The first stage relies on an in-depth literature review and 22 interviews with 17 manufacturing SMEs having operated in collaborative innovation projects to characterize the potential and realized ACAP of such SMEs in the creation and operation stages of a CN. The second phase aims at testing four hypotheses through a hierarchical regression based on 74 responses to a survey involving SMEs with prior CN experience. Findings - Our results explain how an SME's ACAP in the creation stage affects its ACAP in the operation stage. We also demonstrate that this latter capability contributes positively to innovation performance in the CN. Furthermore, partnership quality was found to have counterproductive effects regarding potential ACAP. Practical implications - We provide manufacturing SMEs with guidance to deploy ACAP throughout their collaborative experience and overcome the potential pitfalls of good partnership quality. Originality/value - We operationalize ACAP of manufacturing SMEs to contribute to mutual innovation goals in CNs and uncover its properties. We explain how this dynamic capability accumulates over the CN stages to result in higher innovation performance and show how it helps in striking a balance between the "dark" and "virtuous" sides of partnership quality.

Suggested Citation

  • Lamiae Benhayoun-Sadafiyine & Néstor Fabián Ayala & Marie-Anne Le Dain, 2021. "SMEs innovating in collaborative networks: how does absorptive capacity matter for innovation performance in times of good partnership quality?," Post-Print halshs-03232737, HAL.
    • Handle: RePEc:hal:journl:halshs-03232737
    DOI: 10.1108/JMTM-11-2020-0439
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    Cited by:

    1. Gao, Jing & Zhang, Wanfei & Guan, Tao & Feng, Qiuhong & Mardani, Abbas, 2023. "The effect of manufacturing agent heterogeneity on enterprise innovation performance and competitive advantage in the era of digital transformation," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 155(PA).
    2. Ju, Xiaowei & Wang, Guanhua, 2023. "How do network ties affect firm performance growth and its variability? The mediating roles of exploratory and exploitative knowledge utilization," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 160(C).

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