The combined network effect of sparse and interlocked connections in SMEs’ innovation

Liang, L, Alam, MA ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8260-235X, Sorwar, G ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8778-7966, Yazdifar, H and Eskandari, R 2021, 'The combined network effect of sparse and interlocked connections in SMEs’ innovation' , Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 163 , p. 120488.

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Abstract

This paper aims to examine the relationship between the structures of inter-organizational connections and innovation results in the context of small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Existing literature shows that inter-organization connections can benefit firms in terms of innovation. However, there is a theoretical gap regarding how a combination of various structures of inter-organization connections affects innovation results. To close this gap, innovation network theory is employed to support our hypotheses. Consistent with prior research, we find that SMEs’ innovation can benefit from having sparse connections and interlocked connections. However, in contrast to prior research, our research emphasizes the importance of the combined network effect between sparse and interlocked connections.

Item Type:	Article
Schools:	Schools > Salford Business School > Salford Business School Research Centre
Journal or Publication Title:	Technological Forecasting and Social Change
Publisher:	Elsevier
ISSN:	0040-1625
Related URLs:	Publication
Depositing User:	R Eskandari
Date Deposited:	26 Nov 2020 11:53
Last Modified:	04 Jun 2022 02:30
URI:	https://usir.salford.ac.uk/id/eprint/58956

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