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International sourcing and the productivity of SMEs in transition countries: Formal and informal "region effects" and the communist footprint
(2022-06-01) Nieto Sánchez, María Jesús; Rodríguez Márquez, Alicia; Hernández Paz, Virginia; Comunidad de Madrid; Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (España)
We study how SMEs in transition countries can boost productivity by sourcing inputs from regions with which they share formal institutional links (the European Union) or informal links (the former communist bloc). Additionally, we discuss how the length of the communist footprint may modify these productivity gains. Using a sample of SMEs located in Eastern Europe, we find a positive relation between firm productivity and inputs from regions with formal and informal institutional links. We also find that this positive relation is weaker for firms with longer communist footprints that source inputs from EU countries.
Model based analysis of innovation in sustainable supply chains
(MDPI, 2021-05-01) Morcillo Bellido, Jesús; Isasi Sánchez, Luis; García Gutiérrez, Isabel; Durán Heras, Alfonso; Comunidad de Madrid; Universidad Carlos III de Madrid
Innovation supports the development of Sustainable Supply Chains (SSCs) through Sustainability-Oriented Innovation (SOI) practices. This study aims to validate and further develop, through its practical application, a baseline SOI practices framework, which can be used as a benchmark model. While applying and validating this framework, several new, conceptually distinctive SOI practices were identified that were not included in the proposed baseline model. This led the authors to propose expanding the initial baseline model with a new category of "transversal" SOI practices, so that the expanded model provides a more comprehensive view of the mechanisms that foster innovation at SSCs. These "transversal" SOI practices are highly contingent on the adopting company's traits and strategy, thus suggesting that they might be a major conduit through which its strategy is reflected in its SSCM. Besides their transversal and contingent nature, another key trait of the identified SOI practices is their integrated, dynamic, time-dependent, feedback-loop-based interrelationship. These findings suggest the potential effectiveness, for processes such as sustainability innovation that involve substantial time lags, to reposition top management focus and performance evaluation "upstream" in the causal chain. This potentially promising approach involves shifting focus from results (particularly short-term results) to its causes (processes, methods), and systematically managing the ensuing feedback loops.
Experimental Behaviour of a Housing Section Built Full Scale With Cold-Formed Steel Shear Wall Panels Under Horizontal Monotonic and Cyclic Loading
(MDPI, 2021-11-02) Moreno Cobo, Matilde; Carazo Álvarez, Juan D.; Méndez de Hasbun, Patricia; Hasbun Hasbun, José Carlos; Gómez Amador, Ana María; Jiménez de Cisneros, Juan José
This paper presents the results of an experimental study on the behavior of the cold- formed steel shear wall panel (CFSSWP) with fibrocement panels as sheathing, when it is subjected in-plane shear deformations and flexural deformation under perpendicular monotonically increasing horizontal loads on the longest plane. A full-scale housing section was built with three walls and a ceiling using commonly used construction details in El Salvador. The strength and stiffness of the experimental specimen tested overcame significantly critical demand imposed by the technical design standards in this country. Additionally, a simplified finite element model was defined with the objective to analyze stresses in the components. The results of the numerical model were similar to the experimental model tested.
Home country institutions and exports of firms in transition economies: Does innovation matter?
(Elsevier, 2022-02-01) Hernández Paz, Virginia; Nieto Sánchez, María Jesús; Rodríguez Márquez, Alicia; Comunidad de Madrid; Universidad Carlos III de Madrid; Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (España)
We draw on institutional theory and the resource-based view to analyze the relation between home-country governance imperfections and the export intensity of firms in transition economies, including an examination of the moderating role of innovation. We propose that greater governance imperfections result in lower export intensity and that innovation mitigates the constraints of operating with weak home-country institutions. Analyses of panel data from the Business Environment and Enterprise Performance Survey (BEEPS) on firms from transition economies provide support for our arguments. Our findings allow us to conclude that although firms from transition economies face difficulties to export due to the regulatory constraints of their home countries, a strategy based on innovation represents a viable way of overcoming these limitations.
International collaboration and innovation in professional and technological knowledge-intensive services
(Taylor & Francis, 2018-04-21) Rodríguez Márquez, Alicia; Nieto Sánchez, María Jesús; Santamaría Sánchez, Luis; Comunidad de Madrid; Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad (España)
In this paper, we explore the impact of international collaboration on innovation in technological and professional knowledge-intensive business services. We propose that the benefits of international collaboration differ depending on the activity sector and the location of the foreign partner. Specifically, we argue that the nature of knowledge and innovation processes in professional and technological knowledge-intensive business services may explain different effects of international collaboration on innovation performance. Our empirical analysis is based on a large sample of knowledge-intensive business services for the period 2004-2007. We specify two bivariate probit models to test our hypotheses. The results confirm the hypotheses and show that proximity to international partners is more important for professional knowledge-intensive services, while diversity in international collaboration is more important for technological knowledge-intensive services.
International and domestic external knowledge in the innovation performance of firms from transition economies: The role of institutions
(Elsevier, 2022-03) Rodríguez Márquez, Alicia; Hernández Paz, Virginia; Nieto Sánchez, María Jesús; Agencia Estatal de Investigación (España); Comunidad de Madrid
In this study, we analyze how the acquisition of domestic and international external knowledge contributes to the innovation performance of firms in transition economies and how the institutional conditions of the home country may affect these relations. We test our hypotheses via the responses of 645 firms from 18 Central and Eastern European countries. Our findings show that both external knowledge sources—domestic and international— contribute positively to the number of new products in transition economies. Our results also indicate that a country’s governance imperfections positively moderate the relations between both domestic and international external knowledge and the number of new products. Additionally, our findings highlight that the benefits of international external knowledge for product innovation are greater in contexts with weaker institutional conditions than in environments with stronger institutional conditions. In contrast, the benefits of domestic external knowledge for product innovation do not vary substantially between scenarios with stronger institutional conditions and those with weaker ones. These findings lead us to conclude that the institutional conditions of transition economies moderate the relation between domestic and international external knowledge and innovation performance differently, with international external knowledge proving particularly valuable for product innovation when these conditions are weak.
Inward-outward connections and their impact on firm growth
(Elsevier, 2016-02) Hernández Paz, Virginia; Nieto Sánchez, María Jesús; Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad (España); Ministerio de Educación, Cultura y Deporte (España)
Firms can internationalize via two types of operations: inward (related to international supply operations) and outward (related to serving or selling in foreign markets). This paper analyzes variations in growth for firms that adopt different international strategies: those that perform only one type of international operation, and those that undertake both types simultaneously. The study starts from the premise that connections exist between inward and outward operations, connections that give access to related and diverse knowledge. Based on a sample of European SMEs from-different sectors, the empirical findings indicate that undertaking inward and outward operations simultaneously exerts a greater positive effect on turnover growth than performing just one type of international operation. This simultaneous effect is significantly higher when these operations take place in the same foreign country. The findings provide support for the idea that the acquisition-of country-specific knowledge allows firms to boost sales growth.
Entrepreneurial intention of engineering students: the role of social norms and entrepreneurial self-efficacy
(MDPI, 2019-08-02) Asimakopoulos, Grigorios; Hernández Paz, Virginia; Peña Miguel, Javier; Comunidad de Madrid; Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad (España)
This paper examines the impact of entrepreneurial education on intention to undertake entrepreneurial activity in the future. The study is based on a sample of 208 engineering students. Specifically, we explore the contingent effect of social norms on the relationship between entrepreneurial education and intention to undertake entrepreneurial activity, as well as the role ofsocial norms on the association between entrepreneurial self-efficacy and entrepreneurial intention. We utilize a comprehensive questionnaire distributed among engineering students. Our findings indicate that entrepreneurial education is positively associated with the intention to undertake entrepreneurial activity, in addition to demonstrating a positive moderation effect role of social norms on the relationship between entrepreneurial self-effcacy and entrepreneurial intention. The study provides empirical support to devise new educational initiatives that can further support students and young entrepreneurs in their current or future entrepreneurial projects.
The asymmetric effect of institutional distance on international location: family versus nonfamily firms
(Wiley, 2018-02) Hernández Paz, Virginia; Nieto Sánchez, María Jesús; Boellis, Andrea; Comunidad de Madrid; Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad (España)
This study examines international location choice by considering the potential effects of institutional distance on the decision comparing family and nonfamily firms. We argue that the magnitude and direction of institutional distance matter and that institutional distance has an asymmetric effect on location choice. However, we argue that family involvement has a moderating effect on this relationship because family firms manage institutional distance differently than nonfamily counterparts. Our results, using a sample of Italian firms (2000-2013), reveal that firms are more likely to choose locations for which the positive institutional distance is greater. Additionally, when compared to nonfamily firms, family firms are more likely to choose locations with greater negative institutional distance and less likely to enter countries with greater positive institutional distance.
Global value chain configuration: A review and research agenda
(Elsevier, 2017-04) Hernández Paz, Virginia; Pedersen, Torben; Comunidad de Madrid; Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad (España)
This paper reviews the literature on global value chain configuration, providing an overview of this topic. Specifically, we review the literature focusing on the concept of the global value chain and its activities, the decisions involved in its configuration, such as location, the governance modes chosen and the different ways of coordinating them. We also examine the outcomes of a global value chain configuration in terms of performance and upgrading. Our aim is to review the state of the art of these issues, identify research gaps and suggest new lines for future research that would advance our understanding of how firms are implementing new ways of organizing and managing activities on a global scale.
The impact of R&D sources on new product development: Sources of funds and the diversity versus control of knowledge debate
(Elsevier, 2018-10) Cuervo Cazurra, Alvaro; Nieto Sánchez, María Jesús; Rodríguez Márquez, Alicia; Comunidad de Madrid; Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad (España)
We build on the knowledge-based view to study the relative impact of alternative R&D sources on innovation performance. We contrast two arguments that have created a debate in the literature: One is that diversity of knowledge is better for innovation, because the integration of a larger variety of knowledge helps create new products that can fulfill unmet customer needs; another is that control of knowledge is better, because the incentives and contextual system of the firm facilitate employees' experimentation, which supports the creation of new products. We provide one solution to this debate by arguing that the relative importance of diversity and control of knowledge on innovation depends on the sources of finance. Hence, we find that, in general, control of knowledge has a higher impact than diversity of knowledge on the sale of new products. We also find that alternative sources of finance moderate the relationships: internal funds strengthen the impact of R&D sources with more diversity of knowledge on the sale of new products, while external funds strengthen the impact of R&D sources with more control of knowledge on the sale of new products.
Synergic Sustainability Implications of Additive Manufacturing in Automotive Spare Parts: A Case Analysis
(MDPI, 2020-10-02) Isasi Sánchez, Luis; Morcillo Bellido, Jesús; Ortiz González, José Ignacio; Durán Heras, Alfonso
Triple bottom line (3BL) approaches to sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) often involve trade-offs between their three dimensions (economic, environmental, and social), thus curtailing its application and leading to goal unalignment among stakeholders. Under some circumstances, however, synergic approaches (typically involving disruptive innovations) might allow simultaneous improvement in one or more dimensions without compromising the others. This paper analyzes one such case: the potential of properly designed additive manufacturing approaches in the automotive spare parts industry to simultaneously boost profits and reduce environmental impact. It is based on the systematic analysis of the real spare parts business of a mid-size automotive brand in Spain. Its results suggest that such synergic, self-reinforcing opportunities do indeed exist, and might even be further developed by strategically integrating sustainability constituents such as circularity.
Sustainability Governance Mechanisms in Supply Chains: An Application in the Retail Sector
(MDPI, 2020-09-01) Morcillo Bellido, Jesús; Durán Heras, Alfonso
This study analyzes supply chain sustainability governance mechanisms, and their characterization, typology, adoption and relationship with the overall level of sustainability in the supply chain, and with the adopting firm’s competitive strategy. It is a case-based study conducted in the Spanish retail sector. A representative set of mechanisms is identified, and both their theoretical background and their degree of practical adoption is established. These mechanisms are then characterized in terms of several traits regarding either the mechanisms themselves or the way they are adopted both by the focal company (internal view) and by its suppliers (external view) in each of the cases. Results suggest that mechanisms might be classified into either ‘enablers’, which increasingly constitute a prerequisite for achieving acceptable levels of sustainability, and ‘differentiators’, which can potentially confer sustainable strategic advantages. Actually, achieving these advantages, however, seems contingent on the additional attainment of a comprehensive ‘depth’ in the implementation of an integrated set of mechanisms of both types, both internally within the focal company and throughout the whole supply chain, as measured by the traits proposed in the study. Furthermore, the concept of ‘circular improvement models’ for sustainable supply chains, akin to Total Quality Management models, is proposed by the authors. The resulting model encompassing enabling and differentiating governance mechanisms could guide the self-evaluation and improvement plans of companies aiming to improve their supply chains sustainability; further guidance on ‘deep adoption’ comprehensive strategies and on the potential for self-reinforcing continuous improvement in sustainability beyond a certain threshold are provided by the study’s conclusions.
External Knowledge Sourcing and Firm Innovation Efficiency
(Wiley, 2020-01) Asimakopoulos, Grigorios; Revilla Torrejón, Antonio Javier; Slavova, Kremena Slavcheva; Comunidad de Madrid; Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad (España)
This study examines the relationship between external knowledge sourcing and firm innovation efficiency. We build on the organizational learning theory to propose that this relationship follows an inverted U-shape: as the level of external knowledge sourcing increases from low to moderate, firm innovation efficiency increases; as the level of external knowledge sourcing increases from moderate to high, firm innovation efficiency declines. Further, we explore the moderating role of different contextual factors and contend that this inverted U-shaped relationship is flattened in firms that operate in high-tech sectors and in firms that face high internal constraints for innovation. Our empirical analysis is based on a sample of 3,204 Spanish firms over the period 2004–2015, and our results provide support for these contentions. We used data envelopment analysis methodology to estimate firm innovation efficiency relative to industry best performers, and truncated regression models for panel data with bootstrapped confidence intervals to test our hypotheses.
Motivation and User Engagement in Fitness Tracking: Heuristics for Mobile Healthcare Wearables
(MDPI, 2017-01-22) Asimakopoulos, Stavros; Asimakopoulos, Grigorios; Spillers, Frank
Wearable fitness trackers have gained a new level of popularity due to their ambient data gathering and analysis. This has signalled a trend toward self-efficacy and increased motivation among users of these devices. For consumers looking to improve their health, fitness trackers offer a way to more readily gain motivation via the personal data-based insights the devices offer. However, the user experience (UX) that accompanies wearables is critical to helping users interpret, understand, gain motivation and act on their data. Despite this, there is little evidence as to specific aspects of fitness tracker user engagement and long-term motivation. We report on a 4-week situated diary study and Healthcare Technology Self-efficacy (HTSE) questionnaire assessment of 34 users of two popular American fitness trackers: JawBone and FitBit. The study results illustrate design implications and requirements for fitness trackers and other self-efficacy mobile healthcare applications.
Does R&D offshoring lead to SME growth? Different governance modes and the mediating role of innovation
(Wiley, 2016-08) Rodríguez Márquez, Alicia; Nieto Sánchez, María Jesús
In this article, we address the role of R&D offshoring strategies in the sales growth of small - and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). We propose that different governance modes of R&D offshoring - insourcing versus outsourcing - may lead to growth, but that they differ in their effects. In turn, we argue that innovation mediates the relation between international R&D sourcing strategies and sales growth. Based on a large database of SME manufacturing enterprises in Spain, we find that offshore outsourcing positively affects sales growth both directly and indirectly, while offshore insourcing only affects sales growth indirectly via innovation results. The analysis reveals different contributions of each governance mode to sales growth and the mediating role of innovation in the relation between R&D offshoring and firm growth.
Does Family Involvement in Management Reduce the Risk of Business Failure? The Moderating Role of Entrepreneurial Orientation
(SAGE, 2016-10-03) Revilla Torrejón, Antonio Javier; Pérez-Luño, Ana; Nieto Sánchez, María Jesús
This study explores the question of whether - and under which circumstances - family involvement helps avoid business failure. We hypothesize that it is family involvement in management, rather than ownership, which reduces the risk of failure during economic downturns; however, this effect is negatively affected by the firm's entrepreneurial orientation (EO). We argue that EO hinders reaching consensuses on and commitment to family-centered goals, which are focused on long-term survival. We analyze 369 manufacturing firms in Spain from 2007 to 2013, and find that family involvement in management reduces the risk of business failure, but this effect decreases as EO increases.

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