Cooperation Behavior Towards Innovation: Examining Differences Between Family and Non-Family Businesses

Abstract

Since family firms are of great importance for many economies around the world, it is of interest to analyse their cooperation behavior concerning innovation. For this reason, the aim of this paper is to study whether differences exist between these types of businesses and their non-family counterparts, when making decisions about developing technological alliances with different external partners. Three main research objectives are suggested: Firstly, to identify if there are significant differences between family and non-family firms when developing technological innovation, -distinguishing between product and process innovation-. Secondly, to identify if there are major differences when setting up technological alliances. Thirdly, to analyse if technological alliances in family firms depend on the chosen partner. The empirical research is based on a sample of 1,848 manufacturing firms of which 828 are family business. Results show important differences among family and non-family firms in relation to technological cooperation, providing significant evidence when linking technological cooperation and the family character. Particularly, in their relationships with suppliers and customers .