Network structure and netvork commitment in innovation networks

Abstract

It is becoming increasingly common for networks of actors (universities, research institutes, enterprises and government organisations, etc.) to be formed in order to jointly develop innovations. The efficacy of these networks is, however, disputed when it comes to generating growth-related results. Several studies suggest that the structure of the network is an important factor enabling innovations to be created. However, these studies lack intermediate variables such as commitment. This explorative study therefore looks at the relationship between network structure and network commitment. The outcome indicates that closed networks have a positive impact on the focal actor’s affective commitment and a negative effect on the focal actor’s calculative commitment, while an open network indicates the converse situation.