External complexities in discontinuous innovation-based R&D projects: Analysis of inter-firm collaborative partnerships that lead to abundance

Abstract

As a discontinuous technology, nanotechnology is a highly intensive research and development (R&D) field with a high level of interaction between actors across sectors and international borders. This paper analyses the external complexities that influence the key dimensions of collaborative partnerships in discontinuous innovation-based nanotech R&D projects across Europe. Drawing on theories of inter-organizational partnerships, we examine the external determinants of size, mechanism, strength, and duration of the cooperative engagements, while controlling their innovative capacity, venture capital (VC) participation, and organizational size. We used mixed research methods to utilize both secondary and primary data, which were derived from the BvD Orbis database, to initially examine nanotech companies and then merged with our survey of 97 top executives and senior administrators of nanotech R&D projects across 12 European countries. Using multiple and logistic regression models, we show that a predictable legal system, a high level of tolerance for uncertainty, the prevalence of feminine values, geographical and functional nearness to key partners, high level of export demand for high-tech products, and periods of expansionary economic policies all simplify the complexities in the external environment of nanotech R&D projects. This simplification facilitates highly valuable and long-term inter-firm relationships, producing optimal partnership size with an effective organizational structure. This leads to abundance – the securing of industrial patents and/or the establishment of new product developments.