Can innovation network projects result in efficient performance?

• Published in: Technological forecasting & social change Vol. 79; no. 3; pp. 485 - 497
• Main Authors: Arranz, Nieves, Fdez. de Arroyabe, J. Carlos
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York Elsevier Inc 01.03.2012; Elsevier Science Ltd
• Subjects: Cultural Capital; Europe; European Union; Governance; Innovation networks; Innovations; Management; Process; Social capital; Social networks; Structural; Studies; Subsystems; Technological change; Technology; Transaction costs; Europe; Innovation networks; Process; Performance; Governance; Structural; Subsystems
• ISSN: 0040-1625; 1873-5509
• DOI: 10.1016/j.techfore.2011.09.003

This paper examines the effects that process, structure and governance dimensions of networks have on innovation performance. The main focus of the paper is the multidimensional aspect of innovation networks and how these dimensions affect network performance. Technology management, resource-based, transaction costs and social capital perspectives are applied in the construction of the model variables of each subsystem or dimension analyzed. With results drawn from a sample of 350 project managers identified in the European Union CORDIS database who are actively involved in European innovation networks, we argue that the performance of innovation networks is increased through the suitable design of process, structure and governance subsystems. Empirical findings also show that interactions between these subsystems have a complementary or synergic effect resulting in improved innovation performance. ► We analyze the process, structure and governance dimensions of innovation projects. ► Resource-based, transaction costs and social capital are applied in the approach. ► Empirical findings show that the suitable design of dimension increases performance. ► The dimensions analyzed have a complementary or synergic effect on performance.