Structure Genesis as a Factor of Success of Interorganisational Innovation Networks

Abstract

Small and medium‐sized companies (SMEs) fall – measured on the investment for innovations – behind large‐scale companies: “Small and medium‐sized companies with up to 249 employees held in year 2011 a share of 10.2% of the entire research and development expenses and a share of 17.8% of research and development workforce. Larger companies with 250 to 499 employees represent a share of 4.8% of the research and development expenses and 7.0% of the research and development workforce. Measured on the share of these group companies to the net value‐added and to total employment (54.8% respectively 59.4%) the research and development stake is small in comparison to large‐scale companies with at least 500 employees.” (IfM Bonn).

However, this declaration deforms the picture. SMEs spend relatively less for R&D, but they are not necessarily less innovative since they concentrate on other forms of innovation. A popular model is the interorganisational cooperation in innovation networks. The following explanations aim to examine the goal, the development and structure genesis of innovation networks. With the help of the case study of the “Fördergesellschaft Erneuerbare Energien e. V.” (Promotional Organisation for Renewable Energies), which is an in Germany active innovation network under significant participation of SMEs, an exemplary model will be described.