A Case Study on Managing Innovation Paradox of the Focal Firm in Innovation Ecosystem: The Perspective of Ambidexterity Capacity

Abstract

Abstract:

Taking subcontract business of Zhonghang AERO-ENGINE Co., Ltd. (ZAEL) as a case study, this paper discusses the focal firm management of innovation paradoxes in innovation ecosystem. There are three findings through the case study. Firstly, we find three types of innovation paradoxical tensions when the focal firm of innovation ecosystem implements complex product development and manufacture, which includes the innovation strategy of profitable leading-sustainable leading, innovation modes of tight connection-loose connection, and innovation motivation of discipline orientation-passion orientation. Secondly, three types of the aforementioned innovation paradoxical tensions affect the focal firm to manage the innovation ecosystem paradox, such as strategic objects, operation and organization boundary. Thirdly, the focal firm constructs the management mechanism of innovation paradox through three steps, such as making the dual department of the product innovation, strengthening the internal and external organizations joint and realizing the co-creation and sharing of innovation value. Each step of the mechanism can develop an ambidexterity capacity, which is structural, coordinating and contextual capacity respectively, and then dissolves different innovation paradoxes. Based on the organizational ambidexterity capacity, this paper uncovers the process principle of the focal firm managing paradoxes in innovation ecosystem. Meanwhile, the research has important practical and valuable guidance for aircraft enterprises boosting the great aspiration of "China dream" through achieving the ambition of "Chinese heart".

Key words: innovation paradox, focal firm, innovation ecosystem, organizational ambidexterity capacity, aviation complex products

Hu Jingbo, Ouyang Taohua, Zeng Delin, Feng Hailong. A Case Study on Managing Innovation Paradox of the Focal Firm in Innovation Ecosystem: The Perspective of Ambidexterity Capacity[J]. , 2018, 30(8): 290-304.

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