Title: Developing innovation networks – the art of interorganisational collaboration in high-technology innovation

Authors: Joni Tikkanen, Maija Renko

Addresses: Turku School of Economics and Business Administration, Rehtorinpellonkatu 3, FIN-20500 Turku, Finland. ' Turku School of Economics and Business Administration, Rehtorinpellonkatu 3, FIN-20500 Turku, Finland

Abstract: Firms seek access to complementary resources, improved competitiveness, and flexibility through development of innovation alliances. Thus, efficient alliance management is a key managerial concern. This paper provides a review of existing theoretical alliance management approaches, analyses their strengths and limitations, and concludes that a network approach to alliance management is needed due to firms| contextual embeddedness. Based on extant literature and two high-technology case studies, the authors develop a framework for innovation network management. The elements of the framework, i.e., network visioning, positioning, and mobilising, are discussed and their managerial relevance and implications are highlighted.

Keywords: high technology innovation; high tech innovation; alliance management; innovation network management; entrepreneurship; innovation management; collaboration; strategic alliances; resource sharing; biotechnology; ICT; information technology; communications.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEIM.2006.010982

International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Innovation Management, 2006 Vol.6 No.6, pp.573 - 590

Published online: 25 Sep 2006 *

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