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Network Embeddedness and Performance of Joint R&D Projects

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Network Governance

Part of the book series: Contributions to Management Science ((MANAGEMENT SC.))

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to examine the role of network position in the performance of joint R&D projects using data on European networks of excellence. Our empirical work asks whether centrality (structural embeddedness) and connectivity (junctional embeddedness) increase the project performance. Results show that while structural embeddedness exerts a clear influence on the performance of exploitation projects, the effect of centrality degree has a lower impact on exploration projects due to the redundant information that this location implies. Similarly, while junctional embeddedness positively affects the performance of exploration projects, the heterogeneity of partners involved in a betweenness centrality position does not favor the performance of exploitation projects. This paper contributes to social capital theory by offering new empirical evidence of the effect of network position on performance, which depends on the technological objectives of joint R&D projects.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Faculty of Economics and Business Administration (UNED), Senda del Rey, 11, 28040, Madrid, Spain

    Nieves Arranz

  2. ESIC Business and Marketing School, Av Valdenigrales, s/n, 28223, Pozuelo de Alarcón, Spain

    J. Carlos Fdez. de Arroyabe

Authors
  1. Nieves Arranz
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  2. J. Carlos Fdez. de Arroyabe
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Correspondence to Nieves Arranz .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. , Institut für Strategisches Management, Universität Münster, Leonardo-Campus 18, Münster, 48149, Germany

    Thomas Ehrmann

  2. , Department of Management, University of Vienna, Brünner Str. 72, Wien, 1210, Austria

    Josef Windsperger

  3. , Institute of Management of Rennes (IAE), Université de Rennes 1, rue Jean Macé 11, Rennes Cédex 7, 35708, France

    Gérard Cliquet

  4. , Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Burgemeester Oudlaan 50, Rotterdam, 3062 PA, Netherlands

    George Hendrikse

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Arranz, N., de Arroyabe, J.C.F. (2013). Network Embeddedness and Performance of Joint R&D Projects. In: Ehrmann, T., Windsperger, J., Cliquet, G., Hendrikse, G. (eds) Network Governance. Contributions to Management Science. Physica, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-7908-2867-2_3

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