A Longitudinal Study of the Influence of Alliance Network Structure and Composition on Firm Exploratory Innovation

Phelps, Corey C.

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A Longitudinal Study of the Influence of Alliance Network Structure and Composition on Firm Exploratory Innovation

Academy of Management Journal

47 Pages Posted: 9 Jun 2009 Last revised: 9 Jun 2009

See all articles by Corey C. Phelps

Corey C. Phelps

McGill University; University of Oklahoma - Michael F. Price College of Business

Date Written: June 8, 2009

Abstract

This study examines the influence of the structure and composition of a firm’s alliance network on its exploratory innovation. In a longitudinal investigation of 77 telecommunications equipment manufacturers, I find the technological diversity of a firm’s alliance partners increases its exploratory innovation. I also find that network density among a firm’s alliance partners strengthens the influence of diversity. These results suggest the benefits of network closure and access to diverse information can coexist in a firm’s alliance network and the combination of the two increases exploratory innovation.

Keywords: Alliances, innovation, networks, search, social capital

JEL Classification: O32, L14, D83, L63

Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation

Phelps, Corey C. and Phelps, Corey C., A Longitudinal Study of the Influence of Alliance Network Structure and Composition on Firm Exploratory Innovation (June 8, 2009). Academy of Management Journal, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=687943