Mariano Nieto

From R&D management to knowledge management: An overview of studies of innovation management

Abstract This article is intended to establish links and seek connections between the contributions made to the study of innovatory phenomena. Specifically, it analyzes the evolution undergone by studies on the topic of the technological innovation (TI) process carried out by different disciplines from the point of view of the objectives they pursue and the suppositions on which they are based. Hence, it attempts to provide evidence for the relationships existing between research done at macro level (sociology, history, economics, and industrial economics) and that undertaken at micro level (management).

Performance analysis of technology using the S curve model: the case of digital signal processing (DSP) technologies

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the evolution of the technology performance of Digital Signal Processing components (DSPs) using the S curve model. In the first part, the theoretical base of this model is established through a comparative study between the S curve model and other concepts with which it is closely related: innovation diffusion models and life cycle models. The purpose of this study is to use the solid analytical foundation of these models to increase the theoretical consistency of the S curve model. In the second part of the article, a methodology that facilitates the application of this model is proposed. At the same time, the usefulness of the S curve as a strategic analysis tool is discussed as well as the problems that can arise when the model is put into practice. This methodology is used in the analysis of the technology of DSPs.

An Examination of Individual Factors and Employees' Creativity: The Case of Spain

The objective of this investigation was to identify and analyze the individual attributes responsible for creative performance among employees of a Spanish firm. Drawing from the existing literature on intrinsic motivation, expertise, cognitive style, and individual creativity, research was conducted to test a creativity model of employee characteristics in Spain. Results confirmed that innovative style and intrinsic motivation were related to employee creativity, as measured by self-ratings. Moreover, results suggested that the accumulation of individual attributes that were hypothesized to have a positive relationship with creativity had a greater effect in creativity than when considering separately. A cluster analysis was carried out in order to procure a taxonomy of employees depending on their individual characteristics. Three groups were defined. Their behavior differed significantly in terms of their creativity performance. Recommendations for enhancing creativity in work settings are proposed.

Basic propositions for the study of the technological innovation process in the firm

This paper deals with the characteristics of two basic elements for the study of innovation in the firm: the concept of technological innovation, which is defined as a flow magnitude; and the concept of technology, which is defined as a stock magnitude. The technological innovation process is characterized by: being of a continuous nature; being path dependent; being irreversible and being affected by uncertainty. Technology, as the main product of this innovation, has the properties of knowledge and is characterized by: having a large tacit component; being difficult to transfer; being assimilated by accumulation; and being partially appropriable. These characteristics are articulated in a series of propositions that could contribute to the establishment of a consistent ground for the study of the technological innovation management.

Individual creativity performance and the quality of interpersonal relationships

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to analyze how the exchanges that employees maintain with their immediate superior and with their work group influence the creativity that they manifest.Design/methodology/approach – A study was carried out among employees of a firm from the automotive sector. On the basis of previous works, the authors first built reliable multi‐item scales for each variable included in the model; then, a multiple regression analysis was conducted to ascertain the causal effect of those exchanges upon creativity.Findings – The findings reveal that high‐quality exchanges between the employee and their work group and, to a lesser extent, their immediate superior, have a significant positive influence on their creative behavior.Practical implications – All this underlines the importance of the composition of work groups for achieving the team environment necessary for creative production.Originality/value – This paper provides new evidence about a still unexplored topic, trying to brid...

The evolution of operations management contents: an analysis of the most relevant textbooks

Studies the evolution of the operations management (OM) contents in the last decades. For this purpose, a sample of 84 OM textbooks has been analysed. First, we identify the main approaches and frameworks used to organise the OM contents in the different textbooks. Thereafter, we proceed to analyse the trends in the orientation of the textbooks’ contents according to the qualitative/quantitative and long‐/short‐term dimensions of every topic. From this survey, we conclude that in this period (1960‐1998) a shift in the OM approach has emerged, modifying the consideration rendered by the textbooks to the different topics, not affecting the orientation of the contents.

The development of theories from the analysis of the organisation: case studies by the patterns of behaviour

This study presents an adaptation of case studies denominated by the patterns of behaviour, an ideal methodology for the development of theories explaining the organisation and its integrants’ behaviour. In comparison with other alternatives, best results are obtained in the research of dynamic and complex processes that require analysis during a prolonged period of time, multiple sources of evidence, both quantitative and qualitative, and diverse analysis techniques, such as training and organizational culture. Its application also achieves to lay the foundations of the models and to make explicit the logic underlined in the hypothesis. This account is structured as follows. After an introduction, the case studies are characterized by patterns of behaviour before pointing out the stages of its application. Next, the possibility of generalizing the findings and the role of the methodology in the development of the theories in the organisation is discussed: finalising with a summary and conclusions.

A firm’s assets as a foundation for strategy. Learning and the grounds to success

Firm assets are the most important element in strategy formulation and implementation. A company’s grounds to success can be found here. However, not all are equally important. Some will be considered strategic and others ordinary, depending on how influential they are when it comes to obtaining and appropriating rents, as well as how they hold up during a span of time. This will depend upon their relevance and scarcity, suitability and continuance, as well as on the difficulty encountered when they are to be imitated or substituted. The above features will depend on the characteristics that are intrinsic to the asset itself. These are heterogeneity and transparency, duration and mobility. The connections between the external factors and these internal characteristics will allow the presentation of a written explanatory model of the firm assets in the organisation’s success.

Editorial: Technology and innovation management: past research, present findings and future directions

• Several international academic associations engaged in the study of technological innovation processes and innovation management have been consolidated: ALTEC (Asociación Latino-Iberoamericana de Gestión Tecnológica), IAMOT (The International Association for Management of Technology), ISPIM (The International Society for Professional Innovation Management), PICMET (Portland International Conference on Management of Engineering and Technology) and the International Conference on Technology Policy and Innovation.The management of technological innovation has become one of the most attractive and promising fields within the management areana. However, for the time being, there is no solid theoretical basis in our academic community for the study of innovation management. This shortage is especially shown by the coexistence of radically different methods of approach and the absence of a precise and commonly accepted terminology. This editorial outlines the development of research on technology management and innovation management and indicates the contribution made by papers in this special issue.

Product innovation: testing the relative influence of industry, institutional context and firm factors

This article analyses the influence of industry characteristics (concentration and technological opportunity), the institutional framework (social capital and spillovers from the public sector) and some firm factors (external and internal R&D) on product innovation in a unique integrated framework. Based on a sample of Spanish industrial firms, these variables were found to be positively related to firms’ product innovation. Also, results show that in institutional environments with significant levels of social capital and spillovers, firms change their innovation strategy focusing on external R&D.