The Impact of Government Sponsored Collaboration Networks on Innovation in Chinese Solar PV Sector

Abstract

This study explores the impact of government sponsored collaboration networks on network members’ subsequent innovation performance in terms of exploratory and exploitative innovations. Three aspects of network structure and three attribute proximity-based variables are jointly examined through a bibliometric methodology based on scientific publication and patent data. The results of the negative binomial regression indicate that collaboration network affects exploratory and exploitative innovations in different ways. In specific, direct ties have an inverted U-shaped effect on exploratory innovation, which is not the case in exploitative innovation. In contrast, indirect ties are positively related to exploitative innovation, but not exploratory innovation. Moreover, a positive effect of network efficiency is found on both exploratory and exploitative innovations. Regarding attribute proximity-based variables, the results indicate geographical proximity is negatively related to both exploratory and exploitative innovations. As such, an important implication is that collaboration networks might be deliberately structured to enhance exploratory and exploitive innovations. For policy makers, it is no longer appropriate to simply assume that collaboration is pure good thing and special attention should be paid to the network structure and composition in further policy design.