Modeling technological innovation performance and its determinants: An aspect of buyer-seller social capital

Abstract

This study validates a research model that examines technological innovation performance from the aspect of buyer-seller social capital in business-to-business (B2B) contexts. Drawing on social capital theory, this study postulates that innovation performance is indirectly affected by buyer-seller social capital via the mediation of commitment to innovation and customer knowledge development. The commitment to innovation also has an influence on customer knowledge development. The model examines the data obtained from high-tech firms' personnel in Taiwan. The study's test results indicate that innovation performance is positively influenced by shared norms and trust through the mediation of customer knowledge development. Accordingly, innovation performance is also positively influenced by social interaction and shared norm through the mediation of the commitment to innovation. Lastly, managerial implications and limitations from the empirical findings are provided. (C) 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.