중소기업의 기술협력 네트워크와 흡수능력이 기술혁신성과에 미치는 영향

Abstract

This study suggests that the technological collaboration network and firm’s absorptive capacity have significant effects on the innovation output of the small and medium-sized firms (SME). In addition, a firm’s strategic type of technological learning moderates the relationship between network, absorptive capacity and innovation output.

To test the hypotheses, data were collected from the SMEs that have participated in the development of mixed and fusional technology projects (DMFTP) supported by TIPA. Survey questionnaires were distributed to 496 firms, which were selected from the enrolled firm list of DMFTP. Of the 496 firms, 135 firms responded to the questionnaire (27.2% response rate). 24 firms were excluded that had incomplete responses.

Two dimensions of a firm’s technological collaboration network were considered in the model: the structural embeddedness (magnitude and diversity) and relational embeddedness (trust). The magnitude was measured by the total number of technological collaboration relationships that a firm has entered into with external firms or institutions during recent three years. The diversity was measured by the number of modes of relationships with external firms or institutions a firm adopts among the eight categories (supplier, competitor, buyer, university, public and private research institute, technical training institutions, etc.). Trust was measured using 12 items consisted of three dimensions: goodwill trust(5 items), competence trust(4 items), financial trust(3 items). The absorptive capacity was measured by R&D intensity that is defined as R&D expenditure divided by sales. In this study two strategic type of technological learning were considered: the exploration and exploitation, and 8 items were used to measure them. The innovation output was represented by the total amount of seven specific measures: the number of intellectual property rights(IPRs) applications, registration of IPRs, development of new products and processes, improvement of existing products and processes, and quality certifications received from domestic and foreign institutions. In addition, this study used three control variables including industry sector, firm age, and the stage of product life cycle of the firm’s main product.

Hierarchical multiple regression analyses were used to examine the hypotheses. First, when entering the control variables in step one, industry sectors, firm age and stage of product life cycle were statistically significant in predicting the innovation output. This result shows the validity of using them as control variables.

Second, when entering the technological collaboration network and absorptive capacity as well as control variables in step two, the result showed that the magnitude of technological collaboration network had significant and positive effect on the innovation output. This result implies that network is an important means by which SMEs can promote their innovation.

Third, when entering the strategic type of technological learning as well as control variables, and the independent variables in step three, the result showed that the magnitude of technological collaboration network and exploration had significant and positive effects on the innovation output. On the other hand, absorptive capacity had significant and negative effects on the innovation output. These results imply that firms with higher levels of exploration learning are likely to be more innovative while firms with lower levels of absorptive capacity are likely to be less innovative.

Fourth, when entering the interaction terms of network, absorptive capacity and technological learning, the result showed that the interaction between absorptive capacity and exploitation learning had negative and significant effect on the innovation output. This result supports for the moderating effects of technological learning on the relationship between the absorptive capacity and innovation output, and implies that in order of SMEs to enhance the innovation output, it is useful for the firm with lower absorptive capacity to adopt exploitation learning strategy.

Based on the empirical results several theoretical and practical implications were suggested.

Key word: Technological collaboration network, absorptive capacity, technological learning, innovation output