Does openness enable or hinder innovation performance? The moderating effect of appropriability mechanisms

Abstract

Open innovation has been recognised as being important for innovation performance. However, previous studies have reported inconsistent findings regarding the impact of collaboration on innovation performance. Therefore, this study aims to reexamine this issue using recent data. We empirically examine the impact of the breadth and depth of collaboration and geographical proximity on product and process innovation, along with the moderating effect of appropriability mechanisms. The empirical analysis utilises data from the 2018 Korean Innovation Survey with a sample of 2,392 Korean firms. The results show that the breadth and depth of collaboration and geographical proximity have differential effects on product and process innovation. We also demonstrate the differential moderating impact of appropriability mechanisms. This study contributes to offering a better understanding of how firms can enhance innovation performance in the context of external collaboration and appropriability.