INTER-ORGANIZATIONAL NETWORKS FOR INNOVATIONS AND SUSTAINABILITY

The present Thesis is structured as a collection of three essays linked by one core idea: contributing to research knowledge on inter-organizational network dynamics in the context of innovation and the promotion of sustainability. In this Thesis, the author takes a systemic perspective and analyses the interactions between diverse groups of stakeholders, aiming to identify and interpret the logic underlying the formation of inter-organizational partnerships to promote innovation and sustainability. The dynamics of inter-organizational networks are influenced by several internal and external factors, such as strategic cooperation with stakeholders, structural changes (such as an R&I policy change), and exogenous shocks (such as COVID-19). The present work’s value is developing research inputs and providing empirical ground and methodological support for innovation management framed by inter-organizational networks and mission-oriented public policy evolution. The present work is divided into three main chapters, and their abstracts are presented below. Finally, the Thesis ends with conclusions that summarize the outputs of the empirical works. CHAPTER 1 An appropriate starting point to comprehend the inter-organizational networks for sustainability is to deepen the research knowledge on stakeholders’ role in sustainable innovation and disentangle the antecedents, management, and potential sustainable innovation outcomes. Using the Scopus database, we collected papers that represent works carried out in the field of sustainable innovation and stakeholders’ involvement in organizational practices for these innovations. Based on the data process selection method, we carry out a literature review of the 59 selected papers. This literature review aims to describe the sustainable innovation phenomena and offer a comprehensive overview of the knowledge produced on the theme to practitioners and policymakers So, this chapter presents an interpretative framework of extant literature and discuss the following questions related to the inter-organizational resource-management of sustainable innovation: (a) with whom to work; (b) when to work; (c) how to work together; (d) what challenges should organizations learn to face. Theoretical and practical business implications of the proposed framework are discussed. CHAPTER 2 This chapter aims to analyze the inter-organizational R&I collaboration network dynamics at a mesoscopic level as a consequence of an external environment change. In particular, the study’s empirical setting is the policy change that occurred when passing from the EU 7th Framework program (FP7) to the HORIZON 2020 program (H2020). This change’s effect on the patterns of evolution of the inter-organizational networks between financed actors is stressed. In such R&I context, inter-organizational networks play a particularly critical role as innovation catalysts. Using a dataset of more than 22,228 unique projects in FP7 and 22,153 in H2020, we constructed two collaboration networks. We apply network analysis as a research instrument to identify and measure the fundamental structural properties of networks. At the mesoscopic level, the resulting communities for both networks have been analyzed and compared. Results show that under a policy change, the Horizon 2020 network becomes more assortative than the FP7 network. Preferential attachment (reach-club phenomenon) between leading R&I institutions is demonstrated within the system. The network is supported by the sporadic participation of (many) new actors. Also, the work outcomes demonstrate three different architectures of inter-organizational connections that can define network dynamics: (i) persistent stability or knowledge concentration, (ii) expansion of clusters or knowledge spread, and (iii) merging effect or knowledge aggregation. With these results, we contribute to organizational and network theories by detecting and identifying structural patterns for innovation links in such a complex system as the EU framework program stressing the policy’s impact on them as a dynamics booster. CHAPTER 3 The last chapter examines the impact of an exogenous shock on an inter-organizational R&I network. We concentrate on healthcare public-private partnerships and investigate the history dependencies within them and how an exogenous shock such as COVID-19 fosters an evolution of the complex R&I network. In total, data of 2087 funded projects (FP7, HORIZON 2020, and Innovative Medicines Initiative) are involved in this study to understand the evolution process(es) these types of networks manifest under emergency conditions. The results demonstrate that the present crisis’s urgency shifts the healthcare sector to test new working paths. Two opposite behaviors of the actors in these networks are observable: (i) highly innovative partnerships and (ii) strong lock-in effects. Additionally, we state that non-EU countries demonstrated strong cooperation and co-creation openness under this exogenous shock. Furthermore, the urgency conditions in COVID-19 push policymakers to demonstrate vital flexibility and adaptability of the EU R&I call to the societal needs. Finally, it is possible to underline that network analysis is a powerful research tool for developing new knowledge regarding R&I cooperation evolution under external factors. Accordingly, this work provides a theoretical and an empirical framework for managing the inter-organizational innovation network based on a dynamic complex system theory perspective (Simon 1996; Sawyer, 2005). In particular, it is possible to mention the newly developed insight capable of describing the network’s dynamics through the meso and micro levels of analysis.The present Thesis is structured as a collection of three essays linked by one core idea: contributing to research knowledge on inter-organizational network dynamics in the context of innovation and the promotion of sustainability. In this Thesis, the author takes a systemic perspective and analyses the interactions between diverse groups of stakeholders, aiming to identify and interpret the logic underlying the formation of inter-organizational partnerships to promote innovation and sustainability. The dynamics of inter-organizational networks are influenced by several internal and external factors, such as strategic cooperation with stakeholders, structural changes (such as an R&I policy change), and exogenous shocks (such as COVID-19). The present work’s value is developing research inputs and providing empirical ground and methodological support for innovation management framed by inter-organizational networks and mission-oriented public policy evolution. The present work is divided into three main chapters, and their abstracts are presented below. Finally, the Thesis ends with conclusions that summarize the outputs of the empirical works. CHAPTER 1 An appropriate starting point to comprehend the inter-organizational networks for sustainability is to deepen the research knowledge on stakeholders’ role in sustainable innovation and disentangle the antecedents, management, and potential sustainable innovation outcomes. Using the Scopus database, we collected papers that represent works carried out in the field of sustainable innovation and stakeholders’ involvement in organizational practices for these innovations. Based on the data process selection method, we carry out a literature review of the 59 selected papers. This literature review aims to describe the sustainable innovation phenomena and offer a comprehensive overview of the knowledge produced on the theme to practitioners and policymakers So, this chapter presents an interpretative framework of extant literature and discuss the following questions related to the inter-organizational resource-management of sustainable innovation: (a) with whom to work; (b) when to work; (c) how to work together; (d) what challenges should organizations learn to face. Theoretical and practical business implications of the proposed framework are discussed. CHAPTER 2 This chapter aims to analyze the inter-organizational R&I collaboration network dynamics at a mesoscopic level as a consequence of an external environment change. In particular, the study’s empirical setting is the policy change that occurred when passing from the EU 7th Framework program (FP7) to the HORIZON 2020 program (H2020). This change’s effect on the patterns of evolution of the inter-organizational networks between financed actors is stressed. In such R&I context, inter-organizational networks play a particularly critical role as innovation catalysts. Using a dataset of more than 22,228 unique projects in FP7 and 22,153 in H2020, we constructed two collaboration networks. We apply network analysis as a research instrument to identify and measure the fundamental structural properties of networks. At the mesoscopic level, the resulting communities for both networks have been analyzed and compared. Results show that under a policy change, the Horizon 2020 network becomes more assortative than the FP7 network. Preferential attachment (reach-club phenomenon) between leading R&I institutions is demonstrated within the system. The network is supported by the sporadic participation of (many) new actors. Also, the work outcomes demonstrate three different architectures of inter-organizational connections that can define network dynamics: (i) persistent stability or knowledge concentration, (ii) expansion of clusters or knowledge spread, and (iii) merging effect or knowledge aggregation. With these results, we contribute to organizational and network theories by detecting and identifying structural patterns for innovation links in such a complex system as the EU framework program stressing the policy’s impact on them as a dynamics booster. CHAPTER 3 The last chapter examines the impact of an exogenous shock on an inter-organizational R&I network. We concentrate on healthcare public-private partnerships and investigate the history dependencies within them and how an exogenous shock such as COVID-19 fosters an evolution of the complex R&I network. In total, data of 2087 funded projects (FP7, HORIZON 2020, and Innovative Medicines Initiative) are involved in this study to understand the evolution process(es) these types of networks manifest under emergency conditions. The results demonstrate that the present crisis’s urgency shifts the healthcare sector to test new working paths. Two opposite behaviors of the actors in these networks are observable: (i) highly innovative partnerships and (ii) strong lock-in effects. Additionally, we state that non-EU countries demonstrated strong cooperation and co-creation openness under this exogenous shock. Furthermore, the urgency conditions in COVID-19 push policymakers to demonstrate vital flexibility and adaptability of the EU R&I call to the societal needs. Finally, it is possible to underline that network analysis is a powerful research tool for developing new knowledge regarding R&I cooperation evolution under external factors. Accordingly, this work provides a theoretical and an empirical framework for managing the inter-organizational innovation network based on a dynamic complex system theory perspective (Simon 1996; Sawyer, 2005). In particular, it is possible to mention the newly developed insight capable of describing the network’s dynamics through the meso and micro levels of analysis

Can FinTech Progress the Real Estate Sector? The Disruptive Role of Crowdfunding & Blockchain: A Systematic Literature Review

The aim of this article is to examine the literature on the role of two dominant players within the FinTech world in recent years: on the one hand, crowdfunding and on the other, blockchain. Our focus will be on the traditionally static and non-innovative real estate sector, trying to analyse how the latter can benefit from the use and interaction between these two new actors. Through a systematic literature review (SLR), 143 scientific articles based on current literature have been identified to better understand the topic. The information collected from the selected articles is presented and summarised in specific tables and graphs for a more immediate understanding. The qualitative research software Nvivo was also used. This research found 43 out of 143 articles analyse the phenomenon of crowdfunding based on blockchain technology from an economic point of view. After the descriptive results through qualitative analysis, the evidence that emerged is that none of the articles analysed deals with the issue in terms of real estate to understand possible practical implications and further theoretical contributions. This research work suggests to investors who intend to invest in real estate, how new investment methodologies could bring enormous benefits to a sector that is less prone to innovation and traditionally static, considering how the use of new technologies applied to alternative financing instruments would make real estate investments much more attractive and accessible. This study contributes to advancing knowledge of the FinTech world, specifically of new alternative financing instruments such as crowdfunding and new emerging technologies such as blockchain, from a theoretical point of view. As far as the authors are aware, this is the first study that systematises the international literature on the subject, highlighting the main contributions written on the subject, always keeping a focus on real estate

The Case of Civic Society Organization: Citizens’ Engagement into Responsible Research and Innovation Actions Through the Social Media

In this paper, we emphasize where socio-economic organizations such as CESIE in Italy, form the platform to advance citizens’ activities to reshape the power structure in nations, focusing on social and online media as the basic tool to create such influential activities that impact research and innovation, where particular examples are presented

Advertising model of residential real estate object in Lithuania

Since the year 2000, during the period of economic growth, the real estate market has been rapidly expanding. During this period advertising of real estate objects was implemented using one set of similar channels (press advertising, Internet advertising, leaflets with contact information of real estate agents and others), however the start of the economic recession has intensified the competition in the market and forced companies to search for new advertising means or to diversify the advertising package. The article presents real estate property, as a product, one of the marketing components – including advertising, conclusions and suggestions based on conducted surveys and a model for advertising the residential real estate objects. Article in Lithuanian. Gyvenamosios paskirties nekilnojamojo turto reklamos modelis Lietuvoje Santrauka. Nuo 2000 m. ekonominio aktyvumo periodu Lietuvos nekilnojamojo turto (toliau – NT) rinka sparčiai augo. Šiuo laikotarpiu NT objektų reklama dažniausiai vartotojui buvo pateikiama panašiai (skelbimai spaudoje, reklama interneto svetainėse, informacinės skrajutės su NT agentų kontaktine informacija ir kt.), tačiau po kelerių metų ekonominės recesijos periodas dar kartą parodė, kad įmonės turi ieškoti naujų reklamos būdų arba diversifikuoti reklamos priemones. Straipsnyje pristatomos nekilnojamojo turto kaip prekės rinkodaros sudedamoji dalis – reklama, pateiktos anketinės apklausos išvados, pasiūlytas ir aprašytas gyvenamosios paskirties NT reklamos modelis Lietuvoje. Raktiniai žodžiai: nekilnojamojo turto objektas; nekilnojamojo turto reklama; agenta

Customizing Crowdfunding Approaches to Replace “Biased” Funding

The purpose of this paper is to deal with crowdfunding approaches’ strength to influence the society, in particular, reforming the funding power structure in the society, to restructure the society wealth distribution, and to increase the flow of opportunities in the nation. The approaches that can do that include local crowdfunding from within businesses, crowd funds’ entities that are combined with unbiased management, and those combined with unbiased bank’s support. Local crowdfunding from within businesses is indeed a unique tool for financial stability at the neighborhood level, yet also in the nation’s level upon generalizations, where these can shift socio-economic-power to the citizens. In generalizing crowd funds’ entities, these are of value to fight biases in case combined with unbiased management; “unbiased crowdfunding” might prove simpler to create and maintain than the alternatives. Some of the example of works that we performed with local businesses are presented in this paper

The world of changes: COVID-19’s impact on the retail path towards sustainability

Management literature states that a type of external shock, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, accelerates innovation processes at organisational and societal levels. Furthermore, recent studies stress that this exogenous shock spurred new policies and forced heterogeneous actors of diverse business sectors to reflect on sustainability practices. In this study, the authors concentrate on a specific business industry, such as retail, and overview the main changes during the mentioned pandemic. An appropriate starting point to understand these changes has been to conduct an analysis of the literature, searching for links between the concepts of retail, COVID-19 and sustainability. This research thus provides a snapshot of the latest academic advancements that address issues like the policy framework to recover from COVID-19, retailers’ approach to overcoming this crisis and their approach to corporate social responsibility (CSR). Finally, this chapter lists potential research directions that scholars may consider for a deeper analysis of COVID-19’s impact on retail sustainability practices

Stakeholder Involvement in Sustainable Innovation: Toward an Integrated Conceptual Framework

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How Exogenous Shocks Affect the Evolution of Public-Private Partnerships for R&I: An Analysis of EU R&I Collaborative Healthcare Projects

The study aims to examine the impact of external shocks on the evolution of a specific type of collaborative inter-organizational network (i.e., the Public-Private Partnerships for R&I). In particular, we concentrate on the R&I networks associated with the healthcare sector, which were funded by the EU’s two most recent R&I framework programs: the EU 7th Framework Program and the EU 8th Framework Program, known as Horizon 2020. We investigate the history of dependencies within these networks and how an exogenous shock, such as COVID-19, fosters the evolution of complex R&I networks. By applying network analysis, we observed that the EU R&I healthcare projects show two typical patterns of aggregation under an exogenous shock: (i) strong lock-in effects; and (ii) highly innovative partnerships

Challenges and good practices in STEM: A systematic review and implications for higher education institutions

This study maps the challenges and good practices applied in the real life of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) professionals. We conducted a systematic review selecting published manuscripts between 2018 and 2021. The search strategy included a systematic search in two well-known online databases which are related to STEM, ProQuest and Scopus. After the application of the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 35 papers were included in the dataset. The review demonstrated the challenges and good practices in STEM careers which include personal challenges and good practices for STEM professionals; challenges and good practices encountered at the workplace; and challenges and good practices at social and public space in general. Findings demonstrate that there are still challenges encountered by professionals, especially women and minorities, in STEM fields, but there are also some good practices that can reduce the barriers and help overcome those challenges. The paper concludes with implications for practitioners and suggestions for future research