Network management is a critical concept in innovation and technology transfer. Linkages among network members are fundamental in the innovation process which has been heralded for its contribution to wealth creation in economies increasingly characterized by both globalization and technological connectivity. Innovation networks involve relationships among members of governments, businesses and universities that collaborate continuously to achieve shared scientific goals. This study focuses on identifying the key management factors operating in such networks and on determining the process through which these lead to successful technology transfer. This is of increasing interest for many countries seeking to foster innovation, technology transfer and, in turn, international competitiveness. The study integrates the technology transfer and network research streams in order to provide a unique contribution towards understanding key network factors that are important in technology transfer. Extant technology transfer literature predominantly provides a perspective of a focal organization or, at best, that of inter-organisational relationships while its empirical investigation from a network perspective remains limited. In order to develop a more holistic network perspective, this study draws on the network literature and in particular that of the Industrial Marketing and Purchasing (IMP) group. Although neither a comprehensive network management theory nor suitable measures at the network level of analysis currently exist, the network literature is quickly evolving and has highlighted several concepts that contribute to achieving network outcomes, albeit in a conjectural fashion. Therefore, this study applies these concepts towards contributing to network management theory development in both the network and technology transfer fields. This study adopts a multi-method research approach. Qualitative exploratory research was necessary as concepts from the technology transfer and network management literatures were combined in a novel way. It was also essential in developing appropriate scales. Quantitative research then followed in order to test these scales by applying exploratory factor analysis and reliability testing. The developed scales were then employed to advance theory development, using confirmatory factor analysis via structural equation modelling. The study predominantly investigates networks within several industries that are relevant internationally and consistent with some of Australia’s national research priorities. Consequently, a pilot study was conducted in the wine industry to purify scales followed by full field work undertaken in the information and communications technology and biotechnology/nanotechnology industries. Common patterns that emerge within different industries strengthen theory development and lead to generalizations to other related industries while differences lead to industry-specific implications. A number of patterns were uncovered. Evidence was provided for the significant impact of power distribution, trust, coordination and harmony on achieving network outcomes in the ICT and the biotechnology/nanotechnology industries. While both communication and R&D efficiencies were deemed important in achieving network effectiveness, the specific relationships among these factors varied between industries. The study contributes to advancing theory on network management and offers practical management implications particularly for the industries under investigation. / http://proxy.library.adelaide.edu.au/login?url= http://library.adelaide.edu.au/cgi-bin/Pwebrecon.cgi?BBID=1346750 / Thesis (Ph.D.) -- University of Adelaide, Business School, 2008
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:ADTP/264595 |
| Date | January 2008 |
| Creators | Rampersad, Giselle |
| Source Sets | Australiasian Digital Theses Program |
| Detected Language | English |
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