Innovating firms in emerging economies - a challenge for Sweidish firms and innovation research

Purpose and goal

Goal: To investigate new innovation competitors in an emerging economy; analyze how these firms rapidly move from manufacturing to advanced product development ; and identify areas for learning among R&D managers and academics in Sweden. Outcomes: The Project has conducted intensive field studies of innovator firms in the Turkish white goods and vehicle industry. The results have been presented at The R&D Mgmt Conference in Manchester, June 2013, and for executives at relevant Swedish firms, and the analysis of important industry lessons has been initiated.

Results and expected effects

A dialog regarding new competitors & implications for Swedish firms has started with Elux and Volvo. Field study finished; feedback to Swedish firms and Tubitak, The VNNOVA of Turkey. Two conference papers have been presented. Karabag & Berggren.2013. Antecedents of Firm Performance in Emerging Economies: Business Groups, Strategy, Industry Structure, and State Support. DRUID, Barcelona, 17-19.6. Karabag & Berggren. 2013.From Licensing to Innovation: Alternative Ways of Capability Building at Firms in Emerging Economies. The R&D Mgmt Conference, Manchester, 26-28.6.

Approach and implementation

The pre-study has been conducted in four steps. 1. Meetings with technology-/business executives in Swedish fims, Elux and Volvo Cars, and with Swedish specialists with deep insider experience from Chinese innovation companies. Jan. - March. 2. Intensive field study in Turkey with actors of significant importance for innovator firms in the automotive and white-goods industries. April. 3. Analysis of the results, presentation at scientific conferenses. May-June. 4. Dissemination of results to involved firms, and preparation of main study. June.