Xie, Zongjie, Hall, Jeremy, McCarthy, Ian P, Skitmore, Martin and Shen, Liyin (2015) Standardization efforts: the relationship between knowledge dimensions, search processes and innovation outcomes. Technovation, 48-49. pp. 69-78. ISSN 0166-4972

PDF - Published Version Available under License Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial No Derivatives. Download (614kB)

Abstract

We explore how a standardization effort (i.e., when a firm pursues standards to further innovation) involves different search processes for knowledge and innovation outcomes. Using an inductive case study of Vanke, a leading Chinese property developer, we show how varying degrees of knowledge complexity and codification combine to produce a typology of four types of search process: active, integrative, decentralized and passive, resulting in four types of innovation outcome: modular, radical, incremental and architectural. We argue that when the standardization effort in a firm involves highly codified knowledge, incremental and architectural innovation outcomes are fostered, while modular and radical innovations are hindered. We discuss how standardization efforts can result in a second-order innovation capability, and conclude by calling for comparative research in other settings to understand how standardization efforts can be suited to different types of search process in different industry contexts.

Item Type:	Article
Schools and Departments:	School of Business, Management and Economics > SPRU - Science Policy Research Unit
Subjects:	H Social Sciences
Depositing User:	Tahir Beydola
Date Deposited:	12 Nov 2019 10:33
Last Modified:	12 Nov 2019 10:45
URI:	http://sro.sussex.ac.uk/id/eprint/87984

View download statistics for this item

📧 Request an update