Apropriabilidade, abertura e desempenho inovativo em serviços empresariais intensivos em conhecimento

Abstract

This work aims to analyze relations among the appropriability, selective revealing, openness and innovative performance which are focused in Knowledge-Intensive Business Services (KIBS). The research used the survey method with cross section. Data collection instrument was a questionnaire used in 345 companies which are focused in Information Technology (IT) and business management consultancy. The hypothesis suggested along the literature revision were gathered in a relational model and treated by Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) with the evaluation of Robust Weighted Least Squares (WLSMV) and by the Partial Least Square Path Model – PLSPM, using the Lavaan Packages in PLSPM in the R system. Latents variables measurement was tested by the Classical Measurement Theory (CMT) and Item Response Theory (IRT) in a way to allow the two distinct comparison ways of measurement. Besides the Structural Equation Modeling were used multiple linear regression techniques and cluster analysis to enrich and understand the relationship among the variables. The results show that there is a positive influence from the appropriation to the openness, as well as from the openness level to the innovative performance. But there was not any kind of concave relation among these variables. The measurement and “selective revealing” analysis as latent construct inserted in the modeling, stood for a theoric contribution and to the managerial practice because it describes a strategy that contributes to the company openness practices. Findings stood out a bigger knowledge flow using (inbound) than those related to inside out or related to the cooperation (outbound and coupled). Relation with external factors matched with holding up to innovation may be seen more influent than the innovative performance. Which they are matched to vertical chain (clients and suppliers). Ultimately, the results emphasize the spillover prevention theory, which the companies negotiate with external partnerships if they had means to protect their knowledge.