关键词: 研发合作网络, 关系嵌入性, 动态演化, 新颖性, 影响力

Abstract: It is well-documented that the relational embeddedness of inventor networks plays a vital role in innovation performance. However, most existing literature focuses on how relational resource allocation influences innovation from a static perspective. The understanding of network dynamics, especially relationship between relational dynamics and innovation remains limited. Additionally, little attention has been paid to the further unpacking of different innovation dimensions. To address these gaps, this paper draws on the social resource theory and the innovative combination perspective, further distinguishing between innovation novelty and innovation performance as separate dimensions of innovation performance. It explores how network dynamics, specifically ties added, ties lost, and relational embeddedness dynamics, influence both innovation novelty and impact. Utilizing U.S. pharmaceutical patents data, it employs negative binomial regression to test the hypotheses. The findings indicate that ties added are positively associated with both innovation novelty and impact. The ties lost are negatively related to both innovation novelty and impact. The relational embeddedness dynamics could enhance novelty while impeding impact. In summary, this paper not only scrutinizes the dual effects of relational embeddedness dynamics on individual innovation, but also provides specific suggestions for managers to enhance the novelty or impact of research and development output.

Key words:  inventor networks, relational embeddedness, network dynamics, novelty, impact