Technology transfer and its impact on innovation and firm performance: empirical evidence from Turkish export companies

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this study is to determine the relationships between technology transfer, innovation and firm performance. Design/methodology/approach The relationship between technology transfer, innovation and firm performance is examined by using data obtained from 252 Turkish export firms, which are among the top 1,000 firms in terms of export volume in Turkey. To examine these relationships, a theoretical framework is empirically tested using structural equation modeling and tested via an empirical study of Turkish export companies. Findings The results of this study can benefit policymakers in government at the national level and company decision-makers at the firm level. Furthermore, an understanding of the relationship between technology transfer, innovation and firm performance may help firms to make correct technology transfer decisions and focus on the correct type of innovation to increase firm performance in practice. The findings indicate the positive effects of technology transfer on innovation and firm performance. In addition, innovation mediates the relationship between technology transfer and firm performance in Turkish export companies. This study suggests that decision-makers should transfer the right technology because well-realized technology transfers lead to the improvement of corporate innovation capacities and improvement of firm performances for export companies. Originality/value There is no study that fully examined the relationship between technology transfer, innovation and firm performance. The proposed literature-based theoretical framework in this study is novel for Turkish export companies.

The effects of innovation activities and size on technological innovation in South American manufacturing firms

“…Thus, these results support Hypotheses 1a, 2a, 3a and 4a, respectively. In this way, we can affirm that these results coincide with previous studies, such as those of Goedhuys and Veugelers (2012), Mairesse and Mohnen (2010), Ropert et al (2016), and Cinar et al (2021. However, it is important to note that our findings take into account all activities mentioned together, as suggested by Teece (1986) and Baregheh et al (2009).…”

“…That is, activities that are carried out independently of R&D. Some studies have found that these activities have a positive effect on product and process innovation (Roper et al, 2016). Similarly, the intellectual property activities, such as the acquisition of rights for the use of patents and licenses, have a positive impact on the development of a new product or its improvement (Cinar et al, 2021). Thus, evaluation of patent portfolios is an essential task for companies producing or depending on technology-related products (Littmann-Hilmer and Kuckartz, 2009).…”

The Effect Knowledge Management and Entrepreneurship Orientation on Organizational Performance Through Innovation

“…This research is in line with Cinar et al (2020) which shows that innovation has a positive effect on organizational performance. These results mean that innovative activities lead to higher performing companies due to new products or radically improved products.…”

“…According to Migdadi (2021), the mediating effect of innovation on organizational performance is established because there is a positive relationship between innovation and organizational performance. The research was strengthened by Cinar et al (2020) showing that innovation has a positive effect on organizational performance. These results mean that innovative activities lead to higher performing companies due to new products or radically improved products.…”

A Model to Transfer Technology and Technical Knowledge in Auto Parts Manufacturers

“…Table 1 shows summary of literature review about the extracted factors explaining technology transfer strategies. (Kalaitzandonakes et al, 2018), (Hill, 2018), (Cinar et al, 2021)…”