Title: Strategic alliances, intellectual capital and organisational performance in technology-based SMEs: is there really a connection?

Authors: António Ferreira; Mário Franco

Addresses: University of Beira Interior, Estrada do Sineiro, 6200-209 Covilhã, Portugal ' Management and Economics Department, CEGAGE-UBI Research Center, University of Beira Interior, Estrada do Sineiro, 6200-209 Covilhã, Portugal

Abstract: This study aims to analyse if there really is a connection between strategic alliances, intellectual capital and organisational performance in industrial technology-based small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). To attain this objective, a quantitative study was made. Data were collected through questionnaires directed to the management organ of industrial technology-based SMEs, which resulted in 257 valid responses. The results obtained show that strategic alliances have an influence on the organisational performance and intellectual capital of the SMEs studied. The empirical evidences prove also that intellectual capital has an influence on the performance of this firm sector. The main conclusion shows that there is a linkage between these three topics in technology-based SMEs. Strategic alliances and intellectual capital are important elements for industrial, technology-based SMEs, as they are able to stimulate the organisational performance of this type of firm.

Keywords: strategic alliances; intellectual capital; organisational performance; technology-based SMEs; firm performance; small and medium-sized enterprises.

DOI: 10.1504/IJBG.2017.081024

International Journal of Business and Globalisation, 2017 Vol.18 No.1, pp.130 - 151

Received: 24 Sep 2015
Accepted: 09 Nov 2015
Published online: 19 Dec 2016 *

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