New Developments in the Theory of Networks pp 259-276 | Cite as
A Network Approach to the Structure and Organization of Joint R&D Projects
Abstract
Joint R&D projects have long been studied as an important determinant of innovation success. Researchers have highlighted the benefits that such technological projects offer to partners and to their industries and countries. However, the multiple interactions involved in joint R&D projects in order to achieve the common objectives are not fully understood. Such complexity justifies the need to seek adequate methodologies for determining the project attributes that will lead to an explanation of how joint R&D projects operate. In this paper we introduce ideas about the structure and organization of joint R&D projects in order to explore how attributes and properties of networks influence the attainment of R&D project objectives. The Delphi approach allows a detailed look at the functioning of networks which are much more difficult to capture in traditional, linear analytical models. We tested the measures in the context of the European sponsored R&D projects developed within Framework Programmes.
Keywords
Social Network Analysis Gini Coefficient Network Centrality Technological Network Project SuccessReferences
- Ahuja G (2000) Collaboration networks, structural holes, and innovation: a longitudinal study. Adm Sci Q 45(3):425–457CrossRefGoogle Scholar
- Contractor NS, Monge P (2003) Theories of communication networks. Oxford University Press, New YorkGoogle Scholar
- Contractor NS, Wasserman S, Faust K (2006) Testing multitheoretical, multilevel hypotheses about organizational networks: an analytic framework and empirical example. Acad Manag Review 31(3):681–703CrossRefGoogle Scholar
- CORDIS (2004) Projects database advanced and professional. database search. Available from http://cordis.europa.lu/search/index.dfm
- Doz YL, Olk PM, Ring PS (2000) Formation processes of R&D consortia: which path to take? Where does it lead? Strateg Manag J 21(3):239–266CrossRefGoogle Scholar
- Dyer JH, Nobeoka K (2000) Creating and managing a high performance knowledge sharing network: the case of Toyota. Strateg Manag J 21(3):345–367CrossRefGoogle Scholar
- Gallego MD, Luna P, Bueno S (2008) Designing a forecasting analysis to understand the diffusion of open source software in the year 2010. Technol Forecast Soc Change 75(5):672–666CrossRefGoogle Scholar
- Granovetter M (1985) Economic action and social structure: the problem of embeddedness. Am J Sociol 91(3):481–510CrossRefGoogle Scholar
- Gulati R (1998) Alliances and networks. Strateg Manag J 19(4):293–317CrossRefGoogle Scholar
- Gupta A, Smith K, Shalley C (2006) The interplay between exploration and exploitation. Acad Manag J 49(4):693–706CrossRefGoogle Scholar
- Hagedoorn J, Link A, Vonortas N (2000) Research partnerships. Res Policy 29(4–5):567–586CrossRefGoogle Scholar
- Hatzichronoglou T (1997) Revision of the high-technology sector and product classification. STI Working Paper OECD/GD(97)/216Google Scholar
- Hoang H, Rothaermel F (2005) The effect of general and partner-specific alliance experience on joint R&D project performance. Acad Manag J 48(2):332–345CrossRefGoogle Scholar
- Huchzermerer A, Loch Ch (2001) Project management under risk: using the real options approach to evaluate flexibility in R&D. Manag Sci 47(1):85–101CrossRefGoogle Scholar
- Johansen K, Comstock M, Winroth M (2005) Coordination in collaborative manufacturing mega-networks: a case study. J Eng Technol Manag 22(3):226–244CrossRefGoogle Scholar
- Landeta J (2006) Current validity of the Delphi method in social sciences. Technol Forecast Soc Change 73(4):467–482CrossRefGoogle Scholar
- Lavie D, Rosenkopf L (2006) Balancing exploration and exploitation in alliance formation. Acad Manag J 49(4):797–818CrossRefGoogle Scholar
- March JG (1991) Exploration and exploitation in organizational learning. Organ Sci 2(1):71–87CrossRefGoogle Scholar
- Mytelka LK (1991) States, strategic alliances and international oligopolies: the European ESPRIT Program. In: Mytelka LK (ed) Strategic partnerships. Pinter, LondonGoogle Scholar
- O’Sullivan A (2003) Dispersed collaboration in a multi-firm, multi-team product-development project. J Eng Technol Manag 20(1–2):93–116CrossRefGoogle Scholar
- Oke A, Idiagbon-Oke M, Walumbwa F (2008) The relationship between brokers’ influence, strength of ties and NPD project outcomes in innovation-driven horizontal networks. J Oper Manag 26(5):571–589CrossRefGoogle Scholar
- Okoli Ch, Pawlowski SD (2004) The Delphi method as a research tool: an example, design considerations and applications. Inf Manag 42(1):15–29CrossRefGoogle Scholar
- Parkhe A, Wasserman S, Ralston DA (2006) New Frontiers in network theory development. Acad Manag Rev 31(3):560–582CrossRefGoogle Scholar
- Pek-Hooi S, Roberts EB (2005) Technology alliances and networks: an external link to research capability. IEEE Trans Eng Manag 52(4):419–428CrossRefGoogle Scholar
- Rowley T, Behrens D, Krackhardt D (2000) Redundant governance structures: an analysis of structural and relational embeddedness in the Steel and Semiconductor Industries. Strateg Manag J 21(3):369–386CrossRefGoogle Scholar
- Sakakibara M (1997) Evaluating government sponsored R&D consortia in Japan: who benefits and how? Res Policy 26(4–5):447–453CrossRefGoogle Scholar
- Santiago LP, Bifano TG (2005) Management of R&D projects under uncertainty: a multidimensional approach to managerial flexibility. IEEE Trans Eng Manag 52(2):269–280CrossRefGoogle Scholar
- Tatikonda MW, Rosenthal SR (2000) Successful execution of product development projects: balancing firmness and flexibility in the innovation process. J Oper Manag 18(4):401–425CrossRefGoogle Scholar