R&D alliance partner attributes and innovation performance: a fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis

Purpose Drawing upon the importance of research and development (R&D) alliances in driving firm innovation performance, extant has analyzed individually impact R&D alliance partner attributes on performance. Despite such analyzes, generally underestimated configurations leading to This gap is interesting explore, as firms involved usually face a combination attributes. Moreover, gaining better understanding how tie into an issue that attracting particular interest coopetition literature. paper aims obtain knowledge this underrated, but important, aspect by exploring what lead achieve high To tackle question, first, study reviews literature relying knowledge-based view identify most impactful firms’ then applies fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) explore Design/methodology/approach selects 27 formed worldwide telecom industry. explores multiple these conducting fsQCA. Findings The findings fsQCA show two alternate guided performance: configuration with extensive technological relatedness coopetition, no experience; experience competition, relatedness. Research limitations/implications highlights (i.e. relatedness, competitive overlap, relative size) tie, regard access external consequently their willingness reveals beneficial effect competition performance when some other are considered. insights for literature, limitations be noted. First, partners’ considered could further disentangled sub-partner Second, indicators might used measure Third, anticipated combinatory effects specific context industry time window. condition may question extensibility results industries times. Practical implications also bears managers. suggests managers need aware potential partners have In regard, overlap particularly important When looking strategic partners, should try ally highly enterprises so more innovative knowledge. highlight can amplified ways. On one hand, not yet developed forming alliances. Partners without previous supply ideal stimuli unlock because new approaches develop explored. detects situation allied developing technologies products different areas. partnering coming from areas, diversity leveraged drive generate synergies economies scope within coopetitive alliance. Originality/value Extant concurrently Therefore, differs studies, it provides