Relational Embeddedness in Strategic Networks: Implications for Technological Innovation of Chinese Pharmaceutical Firms

摘要

We argue in this paper that strengthening cooperative relationships should be put as much emphasis upon as choosing appropriate tie modality in strategic networks of firms. Strategic networks of technological innovation are a firm's set of complex relationships with research institutes, universities, other firms and so on, in which relational embeddedness as a kind of important strategic resource could provide valuable information and resource. Based on the actuality of technological innovation in Chinese pharmaceutical firms, relational embeddedness is analyzed in strategic networks of technological innovation. It is proposed that the direction for the firms to choose the collaborative forms is to shape strong relational embeddedness with network members on the basis of field study. The firms are suggested to improve the extent of relational embeddedness by deepening current ties and gradually forming the stronger links. In the technology-driven world relational embeddedness is of important significance for technological innovation in the pharmaceutical firms, which is helpful to promote the capability of technological innovation and the upgrade of pharmaceutical industry.