Title: The impact of internal and external technology sourcing on innovation performance: a review and research agenda

Authors: Christian Gnekpe; Régis Coeurderoy

Addresses: Department of Strategy and Organization, Université Catholique de Louvain, Place des doyens, 1, 1348 Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium ' Department of Strategy, Organizational Behavior, and Human Resources, ESCP Europe, 79, avenue de la République, 75543 Paris cedex 11, France; Université Catholique de Louvain, Place des doyens, 1, 1348 Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium

Abstract: In seeking to strategically boost their innovation capabilities, technology-driven companies can mobilise internal as well as external sourcing strategies. A number of researchers in the field of technology management have assessed the impact of these two organisational choices on innovation performance. Empirical findings are striking but relatively scattered and give the impression of diverse and sometimes contradictory conclusions. The purpose of this review is therefore to survey and consolidate the key findings we can draw from this stream of empirical research. In particular, we point out the need for moderators in studying the relation between technology sourcing and innovation performance. Going forward from this current state of affairs, we suggest future avenues of research on innovation performance in the field of technology management.

Keywords: innovation performance; internal technology sourcing; external technology sourcing; acquisitions; strategic alliances; technology management.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTM.2017.082355

International Journal of Technology Management, 2017 Vol.73 No.1/2/3, pp.21 - 38

Received: 01 Aug 2014
Accepted: 03 Mar 2015
Published online: 21 Feb 2017 *

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