Balancing explorative and exploitative learning under open innovation: an empirical study in China Online publication date: Sat, 16-Aug-2014
by Zhaohui Zhu; Jin Chen
International Journal of Technological Learning, Innovation and Development (IJTLID), Vol. 5, No. 4, 2012
Abstract: Based on March's balance theory of explorative and exploitative learning, the paper analyses the synergy between these two kinds of learning and their effect on innovation performance. Then, through a large sample of Chinese firms, the paper tests the synergy effect between these twin learning, and suggests that firms can balance explorative and exploitative learning and then promote their innovation performance. Lastly, the paper applies a structural equation model to determine which factors promote learning and innovation performance. The paper provides March's (1991) theory about exploration and exploitation within the context of technological learning in a developing country. The results suggest that it is of great importance for Chinese firms, because most of them pay great attention to exploitation, and also to emphasise both modes of technological learning, and to understand the value of important factors which will affect firms.
Existing subscribers:
Go to Inderscience Online Journals to access the Full Text of this article.
If you are not a subscriber and you just want to read the full contents of this article, buy online access here.Complimentary Subscribers, Editors or Members of the Editorial Board of the International Journal of Technological Learning, Innovation and Development (IJTLID):
Login with your Inderscience username and password:
Want to subscribe?
A subscription gives you complete access to all articles in the current issue, as well as to all articles in the previous three years (where applicable). See our Orders page to subscribe.
If you still need assistance, please email subs@inderscience.com
Our Blog 
Follow us on Twitter 
Visit us on Facebook