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State-owned enterprises as knowledge-explorer agents

Author

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  • Mario Benassi
  • Matteo Landoni

Abstract

This paper deals with the role of the State Owned enterprises (SOEs) in innovation processes. Only a few studies focus on the contribution SOEs as companies might give to produce new knowledge and technological innovation. We argue, however, that SOEs are a pillar of the innovation process and we explore conditions that can make SOEs very effective. Through two in-depth case studies in two different industries (STMicroelectronics in the semiconductor and Thales Alenia Space in the space industry) we illustrate how SOEs can contribute to innovation by exploring new opportunities and recombining different sources of knowledge. We highlight the conditions that can make exploration and recombination possible. We also highlight the ability of the two companies to change their boundaries through a continuous wave of agreements, mergers and acquisitions. This way, they were able to expand beyond their domains in a way that matched the evolution of their original industries.

Suggested Citation

  • Mario Benassi & Matteo Landoni, 2019. "State-owned enterprises as knowledge-explorer agents," Industry and Innovation, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 26(2), pages 218-241, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:indinn:v:26:y:2019:i:2:p:218-241
    DOI: 10.1080/13662716.2018.1529554
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    Cited by:

    1. Okuku Washingtone Oluoch & Dr. Fredrick W.S. Ndede, 2024. "Synergistic Effects and Financial Performance of Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization," International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS), vol. 8(5), pages 2213-2223, May.
    2. Clò, Stefano & Frigerio, Marco & Vandone, Daniela, 2022. "Financial support to innovation: The role of European development financial institutions," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 51(10).
    3. He, Bin & Chen, Haiyang & Li, Zheng & Zhou, Xizhen, 2023. "Information and communication technology and innovation performance of firms: Evidence from Chinese listed state-owned enterprises," International Review of Economics & Finance, Elsevier, vol. 88(C), pages 47-59.
    4. Lee, Jeoung Yul & Xiao, Shufeng(Simon) & Choi, Byungchul, 2021. "Unpacking the drivers of emerging market firms’ international joint venture formation: The interplay between technological innovation strategies and home- and host-institutional pressures," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 134(C), pages 378-392.
    5. Águeda Gil-López & Unai Arzubiaga & Elena San Román & Alfredo Massis, 2022. "The Visible Hand of corporate entrepreneurship in state-owned enterprises: a longitudinal study of the Spanish National Postal Operator," International Entrepreneurship and Management Journal, Springer, vol. 18(3), pages 1033-1071, September.
    6. Castellacci, Fulvio, 2024. "Innovation and Income Inequalities: Comparing Entrepreneurial State and Standard Welfare Policies," MPRA Paper 124900, University Library of Munich, Germany, revised Apr 2025.
    7. Xun Zhang & Biao Xu, 2019. "R&D Internationalization and Green Innovation? Evidence from Chinese Resource Enterprises and Environmental Enterprises," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(24), pages 1-18, December.
    8. Cao, Tiantian & Li, Weian & Zhang, Yaowei & Zheng, Minna, 2024. "Win–win or Lose–Lose? Dual logic, board factional faultlines, and ambidextrous innovation in state-owned enterprises," Technovation, Elsevier, vol. 137(C).
    9. Hua Feng & Fengyan Wang & Guomin Song & Lanlan Liu, 2022. "Digital Transformation on Enterprise Green Innovation: Effect and Transmission Mechanism," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(17), pages 1-31, August.

    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • L32 - Industrial Organization - - Nonprofit Organizations and Public Enterprise - - - Public Enterprises; Public-Private Enterprises
    • O32 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Management of Technological Innovation and R&D
    • O38 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Government Policy

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