Cliques (of densely connected alliance partners) have been largely neglected in technological alliances studies. In this study, we show that cliques and their dynamics are an interesting angle, to analyze why certain firms are better in going beyond local search than others. Clique spanning ties...

Alliance cliques have been largely neglected in technological alliances studies. In this study we show that cliques offer an interesting angle to analyze why certain firms are better in going beyond local search than others. Clique spanning ties can be expected to have strategic advantages for...

In this paper we explore how SMEs engage in external knowledge sourcing, a form of inbound open innovation. We draw upon a sample of 1,411 SMEs and empirically conceptualize a typology of strategic types of external knowledge sourcing, namely minimal, supply-chain, technology-oriented,...