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Distance Makes The Heart Grow Fonder: Searching Combinatorial Potential Through Knowledge Networks

Author

Listed:
  • SIWEI ZHU

    (Paseka School of Business, Minnesota State University Moorhead, 1104 7th Avenue South, Moorhead, MN, 56563, USA)

  • GOKCE SERDAR

    (Paseka School of Business, Minnesota State University Moorhead, 1104 7th Avenue South, Moorhead, MN, 56563, USA)

Abstract

This study conceptualises inventors as agents that connect knowledge elements within a knowledge network. Inventors’ searches thus focus on a knowledge element’s combinatorial potential–its suitability for combination with other knowledge elements to generate innovation. Using a survey-based network approach with scientists in the R&D department of a leading US oil and gas company, we find that internal search on combinatorial potential in a knowledge network has an inverted U-shaped relationship with innovation but external search on combinatorial potential has a positive relationship with individual innovation performance. No reinforcement effect between internal and external search was found. Instead, our study reveals the search strategy through knowledge networks that inventors are likely to reduce their effort on internal search but maintain external search to identify the combinatorial potential of knowledge elements, making them more likely to create fruitful knowledge combinations for innovation.

Suggested Citation

  • Siwei Zhu & Gokce Serdar, 2022. "Distance Makes The Heart Grow Fonder: Searching Combinatorial Potential Through Knowledge Networks," International Journal of Innovation Management (ijim), World Scientific Publishing Co. Pte. Ltd., vol. 26(02), pages 1-29, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:wsi:ijimxx:v:26:y:2022:i:02:n:s1363919622500177
    DOI: 10.1142/S1363919622500177
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