International Journal of Technology Management (6 papers in press)

Regular Issues

• Overtaking in the Rain: Performance Feedback and Firm Innovation during Decoupling Period  
  by Haobang Chen, Shuzhe Jia, Jizhen Li, Donghong Li 
  Abstract: This research explores the behavioural mechanism of firm innovation in the context of the U.S.-China decoupling since 2018. Under suddenly increasing environmental uncertainty, while most firms are risk-aversion, firms with a social performance feedback leap (i.e., pre-shock underperforming firms outperforming others after the shock) get promising information from the leap and thus are more likely to take risks and launch innovation. The effect is stronger for firms with a promotion focus, which are more likely to identify and positively interpret the leap and take action to sustain the advantage. We find support for the arguments using data from 330 Chinese listed firms engaged in trade with the U.S. Our study introduces a behavioural mechanism to understand the impact of decoupling on innovation and contributes to the Behaviour Theory of the Firm (BTOF) with a novel concept.
  Keywords: innovation; decoupling; environment uncertainty; shock; social performance feedback leap; performance feedback; aspiration; regulatory focus; TMT promotion focus.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJTM.2024.10068562
   
  
• Relationship between Profitability and U.S. Firm Strategies for Research and Development Intensity and Capital Investment  
  by Takayuki Suzuki, Hiroshi Imahashi, Kiminori Gemba 
  Abstract: Research and development (R&D) has been associated with the accomplishment of business results through capital investment. In recent years, the efficiency of R&D investment by U.S. firms has declined; however, there is a lack of empirical evidence. Therefore, this study empirically analyses the relationship between R&D, capital investments, and the U.S. firms' profitability. A regression analysis was conducted using data from U.S. stock market-listed firms between fiscal years (FY) 2010 to 2021. The results indicate a significantly negative R&D ratio coefficient for all years. Additionally, the capital investment ratio coefficient was significantly positive in FY2019 and FY2021. However, for FY2011 it was positive but insignificant. The coefficients were significantly negative for all other years. The results indicate decreased efficiency of R&D investments by U.S. firms, indicating opportunities to enhance their profitability. Moreover, the findings contribute to the existing literature and will assist practitioners make more informed management-related decisions.
  Keywords: research and development expenses; capital expenditure; profitability; research and development intensity; U.S. firms' strategy; investment efficiency; quantitative analysis; longitudinal study.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJTM.2025.10069662
   
  
• Unveiling the Structural Dimensions of Catch-Up Oriented Innovation Policy and its Impact on Enterprises' Technological Capabilities  
  by Hongjun Geng, Guowei Dong, Chang Wang, Jingdong Li, Cuihong Zhang 
  Abstract: The Catch-Up Oriented Innovation Policy (CuOIP) represents a tailored application of mission-oriented innovation policies in latecomer countries. This study exploresthe structural dimensions of CuOIP and empirically examines its impact on enterprises' technological capabilities. Our findings reveal that CuOIP is a systematic policy encompassing five key types of policy instruments: entity cultivation, capacity building, market creation, platform construction, and institutional strategy. Moreover, the empirical results demonstrate that CuOIP positively influences enterprises' technological capabilities. Industrial competition pressure and enterprises' resource application capability positively moderates the relationship between the CuOIP and enterprises' technological capabilities. By delving into the theoretical underpinnings of mission-oriented innovation policies, this study contributes valuable practical insights for emerging countries aiming to achieve technological capability catch-up.
  Keywords: catch-up oriented innovation policy; enterprises' technological capabilities; structural dimensions; policy effects.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJTM.2025.10069747
   
  
• Have your Cake and Eat it too: AI Adoption on Green Innovation Efficiency and Persistence Under Industry Dynamism  
  by Ximing Yin, Tailun Chen, Jun Jin 
  Abstract: Under the uncertain environment featured with geopolitical bifurcation and climate change, manufacturing companies are urged to enhance green innovation process performance towards sustainable growth. As a disruptive technology, artificial intelligence (AI) is introducing great potential in empowering manufacturing companies to conduct green innovation. However, the mechanisms and features of this process are still a subject of debate and warrant deeper exploration. Therefore, this study draws from the knowledge-based view and dynamic capability theory to investigate the effects of AI adoption on the efficiency and persistence of green innovation by employing a dataset consisting of 3,047 listed Chinese manufacturing companies from 2017 to 2021. Empirical findings indicate that corporate strategies comprising AI adoption can significantly enhance the efficiency and persistence of green innovation. Moreover, the effect on green innovation efficiency is more pronounced in industries with higher levels of dynamism. Furthermore, we discovered green innovation efficiency of high-tech manufacturing companies and green innovation persistence of low-tech manufacturing companies are benefited more from AI adoption. The results emphasise the importance for manufacturing companies, for both in high-tech and low-tech industries with significant environmental dynamism, to actively employ AI technologies to develop dynamic capabilities essential for achieving sustainable development
  Keywords: AI adoption; knowledge-based view; dynamic capability; green innovation efficiency; green innovation persistence; industry dynamism.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJTM.2025.10070279
   
  
• Internationalisation or Regionalisation? The Impact of U.S. Entity List Sanctions on the Global Location Strategy of Chinese Multinational Enterprises  
  by Jianghua Zhou, Xindi Xu, Qinxue Bai 
  Abstract: While the China-US trade war continues to escalate, the entity list sanctions, as an important part of the trade war, could have a significant impact on Chinese multinational enterprises (CMNEs). This study examines the impact of cooperators being listed on the entity list on the global positioning of CMNEs. Using micro firm-level data, this research encompasses 6,116 firm-year observations, representing 1,869 listed CMNEs. Building on the resource-based view and risk spillover theory, we hypothesise that, as risks emanate through collaborative relationships from sanctioned entities, CMNEs outward foreign direct investment (OFDI) exhibits greater international location dispersion and increased average geographic distance. Furthermore, we discovered that overseas executive background and resource endowment significantly moderate these effects. This study contributes to the literature by highlighting the strategic adjustments CMNEs make in response to the entity list and concludes with practical recommendations for enterprises to mitigate the risks of technological decoupling and deglobalisation trends.
  Keywords: Sino-US trade war; the Entity List; regionalization; internationalization; CMNEs; Chinese multinational enterprises; top management teams' overseas background; resources endowment.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJTM.2025.10070468
   
  
• MNEs' Innovation Spillover Effects on Emerging Markets' Suppliers and Buyers along Global Supply Chain  
  by Liyao Xiang, Yurong Xu, Jinglun Li, Rui Ding, Rongjian Yu 
  Abstract: Innovation serves as the primary driving force for scientific and technological advancement. Knowledge has increasingly become a critical resource that shapes the landscape of technological innovation and economic development, particularly in this bifurcated world. Knowledge spillover in supply networks has become a key channel for firms to acquire external knowledge, integrate internal resources, and enhance innovation. Using a sample of multinational enterprises (MNEs) in China from 2012 to 2021, this study indicates the impact of inter-organisational dependence structures on the innovation spillover effects between MNEs and local firms based on a negative binomial regression model. The findings indicate that inter-organisational dependence structure inhibits the innovation spillover effects between MNEs and firms in emerging economies. Heterogeneity analysis shows that with longer relationship duration and higher transaction relationship value, buyers of MNEs can secure more knowledge spillover based on technological capabilities and follow-on innovation based on innovative capabilities.
  Keywords: Inter-organizational dependence; Innovation Spillovers; Relationship Characteristics? Multinational Enterprises? Innovation; Knowledge Management; Supply Chain; Buyer-supplier; Emerging Markets.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJTM.2025.10070470