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How do ICT firms in Turkey manage innovation? Diversity in expertise versus diversity in markets

Author

Listed:
  • Semih Akçomak

    (TEKPOL, Science and Technology Policy Studies, Middle East Technical University)

  • Erdal Akdeve

    (REKMER, Yildirim Beyazit University)

  • Derya Findik

    (TEKPOL, Science and Technology Policy Studies, Middle East Technical University)

Abstract

This paper provides a novel taxonomy of firms based on specialisation versus diversification in production and markets. Firms may chose to specialise on few production activities or alternatively may build expertise in many activities. There is an accompanying decision when firms sell their products: whether to serve few or many markets. We argue that the location on the specialisation-diversification spectrum significantly affects how firms manage innovation. For a sample of 90 innovator ICT firms in Ankara we find that cooperation structure, sources of innovation and funding of R&D display statistically significant different patterns according to the specialisation-diversification taxonomy.

Suggested Citation

  • Semih Akçomak & Erdal Akdeve & Derya Findik, 2013. "How do ICT firms in Turkey manage innovation? Diversity in expertise versus diversity in markets," STPS Working Papers 1301, STPS - Science and Technology Policy Studies Center, Middle East Technical University, revised Apr 2013.
    • Handle: RePEc:met:stpswp:1301
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Management of innovation; core competency; expertise building; R&D; ICT;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • O32 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Management of Technological Innovation and R&D
    • L22 - Industrial Organization - - Firm Objectives, Organization, and Behavior - - - Firm Organization and Market Structure
    • L86 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Services - - - Information and Internet Services; Computer Software

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