Title: A glimpse of benefits of long-term relationships for innovation

Authors: Sara Thorgren

Addresses: Lulea University of Technology, Lulea SE-971 87, Sweden

Abstract: Research over a long time has suggested a facilitating role of interorganisational relationships for innovative performance. Although research has implicitly advocated for switching partners on the basis of evidence of diversity and non-redundancy of information accessed in relationships, experience suggests otherwise. This study supplements the earlier research by examining how and why some organisations bring in the same partners in different innovative processes. Based on a qualitative study of small and medium-sized enterprises, this study indicates that the use of existing relationships has several important benefits for innovative performance, including (1) effective use of indirect links, (2) better conditions for unspecified exchanges, (3) provision of a fast lane to essentialities via known values and firm characteristics, (4) improved dialogue and positive surprises and (5) elicited partner enthusiasm guided by altruism.

Keywords: innovation; interorganisational relationships; long-term relationships; small and medium-sized enterprises; SMEs; small business; globalisation.

DOI: 10.1504/IJGSB.2007.014186

International Journal of Globalisation and Small Business, 2007 Vol.2 No.1, pp.34 - 46

Published online: 24 Jun 2007 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article