Configuration Analysis on the Investment Intensity of Enterprise Basic Research Based on TOE Framework

Abstract

Abstract: Based on the TOE framework, this research takes 32 firms that have set up firm-based national key laboratories as cases and uses the method of fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) to discuss technological, organizational, and environmental factors’ joint effect on firm-based investment in basic research. This research identifies two pathways that promote high investment in firm-based basic research: the high-growth firms in high-tech industries and the flexible adaptation of firms in high-market competition. And this research also identifies two pathways that lead to low investment in firm-based basic research: the stagnant growth of firms in high market competition and the lack of government funding in low-tech industries. This result further confirms the asymmetry of causality among the driving factors of investment in firm-based basic research. It is also found that a single condition does not constitute a necessary condition for high (or low) investment in firm-based basic research. This research confirms that diversified configurations can equally promote or prohibit investment in firm-based basic research. This study contributes to the literature on technological advancement and firm innovation.

Key words: basic research, R&D investment, TOE framework, fsQCA, strategic emerging industries

Zhang Hongsi, Gao Yuchen, Cheng Fan. Configuration Analysis on the Investment Intensity of Enterprise Basic Research Based on TOE Framework[J]. Management Review, 2025, 37(8): 78-90.

References

[1] 张炜,吴建南,徐萌萌,等.基础研究投入:政策缺陷与认识误区[J].科研管理, 2016,37(5):87-93 Zhang W., Wu J. N., Xu M. M., et al. The Investment in Basic Researches:Policy Defects and Cognition Misunderstanding[J]. Science Research Management, 2016,37(5):87-93
[2] 柳卸林,丁雪辰,高雨辰.从创新生态系统看中国如何建成世界科技强国[J].科学学与科学技术管理, 2018,39(3):3-15 Liu X. L., Ding X. C., Gao Y. C. How does China Build World Sci-tech Power:From the Perspective of Innovation Ecosystem[J]. Science of Science and Management of S.&T., 2018,39(3):3-15
[3] OECD. Frascati Manual 2015[R]. Proposed Standard Practice for Surveys on Research and Experimental Development. Paris:OCDE, 2002
[4] Griliches Z. Productivity, R&D, and Basic Research at the Firm Level in the 1970s[R]. American Economic Review, 1986,76(1):141-154
[5] 柳卸林,何郁冰.基础研究是中国产业核心技术创新的源泉[J].中国软科学, 2011,(4):104-117 Liu X. L., He Y. B. Basic Research Is the Source of Industrial Core Technological Innovation in China[J]. China Soft Science, 2011,(4):104-117
[6] 徐晓丹,柳卸林.大企业为什么要重视基础研究?[J].科学学与科学技术管理, 2020,41(9):3-19 Xu X. D., Liu X. L. Why should Big Enterprises Attach Importance to Basic Research?[J]. Science of Science and Management of S.&T., 2020,41(9):3-19
[7] Gustafsson A., Stephan A., Hallman A., et al. The"Sugar Rush"from Innovation Subsidies:A Robust Political Economy Perspective[J]. Empirica, 2016,43(4):729-756
[8] 成力为,郭园园. TPP规则下中国企业提升自主创新能力的必要性[J].科研管理, 2017,38(S1):140-146 Cheng L. W., Guo Y. Y. Necessity for Chinese Enterprises to Enhance the Capability of Independent Innovation under the Rules of TPP[J]. Science Research Management, 2017,38(S1):140-146
[9] 杜运周,李佳馨,刘秋辰,等.复杂动态视角下的组态理论与QCA方法:研究进展与未来方向[J].管理世界, 2021,37(3):180-197 Du Y. Z., Li J. X., Liu Q. C., et al. Configurational Theory and QCA Method from a Complex Dynamic Perspective:Research Progress and Future Directions[J]. Journal of Management World, 2021,37(3):180-197
[10] Laursen K. Keep Searching and You'll Find:What do We Know about Variety Creation through Firms'Search Activities for Innovation?[J]. Industrial and Corporate Change, 2012,21(5):1181-1220
[11] Partha D., David P. A. Toward a New Economics of Science[J]. Research Policy, 1994,23(5):487-521
[12] Mcgrath R. G., Kim J. Innovation, Strategy, and Hypercompetition[M]//Dodgson M., Gann D. M., Phillips N. The Oxford Handbook of Innovation Management. Oxford:Oxford University Press, 2014
[13] Arora A., Belenzon S., Dionisi B. First-mover Advantage and the Private Value of Public Science[J]. Research Policy, 2023,52(9):104867
[14] 柳卸林.大企业如何通过基础研究实现突破性创新[J].人民论坛·学术前沿, 2023,(9):44-51 Liu X. L. Basic Research:How Large Enterprises Accomplish Radical Innovation[J]. Frontiers, 2023,(9):44-51
[15] Narin F., Rozek R. P. Bibliometric Analysis of U.S. Pharmaceutical Industry Research Performance[J]. Research Policy, 1988,17(3):139-154
[16] Godin B. Research and the Practice of Publication in Industries[J]. Research Policy, 1996,25(4):587-606
[17] Hicks D. M., Isard P. A., Martin B. R. A Morphology of Japanese and European Corporate Research Networks[J]. Research Policy, 1996,25(3):359-378
[18] Tijssen R. J. W. Is the Commercialisation of Scientific Research Affecting the Production of Public Knowledge?Global Trends in the Output of Corporate Research Articles[J]. Research Policy, 2004,33(5):709-733
[19] Arora A., Belenzon S., Patacconi A. The Decline of Science in Corporate R&D[J]. Strategic Management Journal, 2018,39(1):3-32
[20] Pisano G. P. The Evolution of Science-based Business:Innovating How We Innovate[J]. Industrial and Corporate Change, 2010,19(2):465-482
[21] Polidoro F., Theeke M. Getting Competition down to a Science:The Effects of Technological Competition on Firms'Scientific Publications[J]. Organization Science, 2012,23(4):1135-1153
[22] Pavitt K. What Makes Basic Research Economically Useful?[J]. Research Policy, 1991,20(2):109-119
[23] Gambardella A. Competitive Advantages from In-house Scientific Research:The US Pharmaceutical Industry in the 1980s[J]. Research Policy, 1992,21(5):391-407
[24] Rosenberg N. Why do Firms Do Basic Research (with Their Own Money)?[J]. Research Policy, 1990,19(2):165-174
[25] Cockburn I. M., Henderson R. M. Absorptive Capacity, Coauthoring Behavior, and the Organization of Research in Drug Discovery[J]. The Journal of Industrial Economics, 1998,46(2):157-182
[26] Cohen W. M., Levinthal D. A. Absorptive Capacity:A New Perspective on Learning and Innovation[J]. Administrative Science Quarterly, 1990,35(1):128-152
[27] Rotolo D., Camerani R., Grassano N., et al. Why do Firms Publish?A Systematic Literature Review and a Conceptual Framework[J]. Research Policy, 2022,51(10):104606
[28] 杨媛棋,寇明婷,陈凯华.企业基础研究倾向影响因素的组态效应——基于中关村高新技术企业的QCA分析[J].管理评论, 2024,36(4):88-99 Yang Y. Q., Kou M. T., Chen K. H. Configuration Effects of Influencing Factors for Basic Research Inclination of Firms-QCA Analysis Based on High-tech Firms in Zhongguancun Science Park[J]. Management Review, 2024,36(4):88-99
[29] 贺俊,陶思宇,李伟,等.中国企业开展基础研究的特征事实与政策需求——基于763家企业的问卷调查分析[J].科学学研究, 2025,43(3):477-487 He J., Tao S. Y., Li W., et al. Characteristic Facts and Policy Needs of Chinese Enterprises to Conduct Basic Research-An Analysis Based on a Questionnaire Survey of 763 Enterprises[J]. Studies in Science of Science, 2025,43(3):477-487
[30] Chai S., Shih W. Bridging Science and Technology through Academic-Industry Partnerships[J]. Research Policy, 2016,45(1):148-158
[31] Hartmann P., Henkel J. The Rise of Corporate Science in AI:Data as a Strategic Resource[J]. Academy of Management Discoveries, 2020,6(3):359-381
[32] Czarnitzki D., Thorwarth S. Productivity Effects of Basic Research in Low-tech and High-tech Industries[J]. Research Policy, 2012,41(9):1555-1564
[33] Li Y., Li P. P., Wang H., et al. How do Resource Structuring and Strategic Flexibility Interact to Shape Radical Innovation?[J]. Journal of Product Innovation Management, 2017,34(4):471-491
[34] Zhou K. Z., Wu F. Technological Capability, Strategic Flexibility, and Product Innovation[J]. Strategic Management Journal, 2010,31(5):547-561
[35] 刘思慧,李文,俞荣建,等.商业模式创新和数字赋能对数字化转型的驱动机制研究——基于TJ-QCA的案例分析[J].管理评论, 2023,35(8):342-352 Liu S. H., Li W., Yu R. J., et al. The Mechanism of How Business Model Innovation and Digital Empowerment Drive Digital Transformation-A Case Study Based on TJ-QCA[J]. Management Review, 2023,35(8):342-352
[36] 李振东,梅亮,朱子钦,等.制造业单项冠军企业数字创新战略及其适配组态研究[J].管理世界, 2023,39(2):186-208 Li Z. D., Mei L., Zhu Z. Q., et al. Research on Digital Innovation Strategy of Single Champion Firms in Manufacturing Industry and Its Adaptation Configuration[J]. Journal of Management World, 2023,39(2):186-208
[37] 夏清华,黄剑.市场竞争、政府资源配置方式与企业创新投入——中国高新技术企业的证据[J].经济管理, 2019,41(8):5-20 Xia Q. H., Huang J. The Influence of Government Resource Allocation on the Relationship between Market Competition and Corporate Innovation Investment:Evidence of High-tech Enterprises in China[J]. Business and Management Journal, 2019,41(8):5-20
[38] Gao Y., Hu Y., Liu X., et al. Can Public R&D Subsidy Facilitate Firms'Exploratory Innovation?The Heterogeneous Effects between Central and Local Subsidy Programs[J]. Research Policy, 2021,50(4):104221
[39] 陈红,张玉,刘东霞.政府补助、税收优惠与企业创新绩效——不同生命周期阶段的实证研究[J].南开管理评论, 2019,22(3):187-200 Chen H., Zhang Y., Liu D. X. Government Subsidies, Tax Breaks and Enterprise's Innovation Performance:An Empirical Study on Different Life Cycle Stages[J]. Nankai Business Review, 2019,22(3):187-200
[40] 高雨辰,万滢霖,张思.企业数字化、政府补贴与企业对外负债融资——基于中国上市企业的实证研究[J].管理评论, 2021,33(11):106-120 Gao Y. C., Wan Y. L., Zhang S. Corporate Digitalization, Government Subsidies and Corporate External Financing:An Empirical Study Based on Chinese Listed Companies[J]. Management Review, 2021,33(11):106-120
[41] 黄昊,王国红,秦兰.科技新创企业资源编排对企业成长影响研究:资源基础与创业能力共演化视角[J].中国软科学, 2020,(7):122-137 Huang H., Wang G. H., Qin L. Research on Resource Orchestration Influencing Growth in Technology-based Start-ups:From Co-evolution Perspective of Resource Base and Entrepreneurial Capability[J]. China Soft Science, 2020,(7):122-137
[42] 余菲菲,董飞.跨层次环境对我国制造企业转型路径选择的影响——基于fsQCA方法[J].研究与发展管理, 2020,32(4):37-47 Yu F. F., Dong F. Influence of Cross-level Environment on the Choice of Transformation Path for Chinese Manufacturing Enterprises:Based on the Method of fsQCA[J]. R&D Management, 2020,32(4):37-47
[43] 万骁乐,毕力文,邱鲁连.供应链压力、战略柔性与制造企业开放式绿色创新——基于TOE框架的组态分析[J].中国软科学, 2022,(10):99-113 Wan X. L., Bi L. W., Qiu L. L. Supply Chain Pressure, Strategic Flexibility and Open Green Innovation of Manufacturing Enterprises-Configuration Analysis Based on TOE Framework[J]. China Soft Science, 2022,(10):99-113
[44] 苏坤.经营期望差距影响公司股价崩盘风险吗?[J].管理评论, 2022,34(10):37-51 Su K. Does Performance Aspiration Gap Affect Stock Price Crash Risk?[J]. Management Review, 2022,34(10):37-51
[45] 王昀,孙晓华.加价能力、行业结构与企业研发投资——市场势力与技术创新关系的再检验[J].科研管理, 2018,39(6):141-149 Wang Y., Sun X. H. Markup Power, Market Structure and Firm's R&D Investment:A Reexamination of the Relationship between Market Power and Technological Innovation[J]. Science Research Management, 2018,39(6):141-149
[46] 潘教峰,王晓明,薛俊波,等.从战略性新兴产业到未来产业:新方向、新问题、新思路[J].中国科学院院刊, 2023,38(3):407-413 Pan J. F., Wang X. M., Xue J. B., et al. From Strategic Emerging Industries to Future Industries:New Directions, New Problems and New Ideas[J]. Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 2023,38(3):407-413
[47] 程思佳,于立宏,陈辰.纵向并购对高新技术企业技术创新的影响研究[J].科研管理, 2024,45(2):145-154 Cheng S. J., Yu L. H., Chen C. Research on the Impact of Vertical M&A on the Technological Innovation of High-tech Enterprises[J]. Science Research Management, 2024,45(2):145-154
[48] Hill S. A., Birkinshaw J. Ambidexterity and Survival in Corporate Venture Units[J]. Journal of Management, 2014,40(7):1899-1931
[49] 李培楠,赵兰香,万劲波,等.研发投入对企业基础研究和产业发展的阶段影响[J].科学学研究, 2019,37(1):36-44 Li P. N., Zhao L. X., Wan J. B., et al. Phased Impact of Research and Development Investment on Enterprise Basic Research and Industrial Development[J]. Studies in Science of Science, 2019,37(1):36-44
[50] Cassiman B., Veugelers R., Arts S. Mind the Gap:Capturing Value from Basic Research through Combining Mobile Inventors and Partnerships[J]. Research Policy, 2018,47(9):1811-1824
[51] 欧阳桃花,曾德麟.拨云见日——揭示中国盾构机技术赶超的艰辛与辉煌[J].管理世界, 2021,37(8):194-207 Ouyang T. H., Zeng D. L. Dispel the Clouds and See the Sun:Reveal the Hardship and Glory of China's Shield Machine Technology Catch-up[J]. Journal of Management World, 2021,37(8):194-207
[52] 王芳,赵兰香,戴小勇.中国企业基础研究偏好异质性的影响因素分析[J].科研管理, 2021,42(3):12-22 Wang F., Zhao L. X., Dai X. Y. An Analysis of the Determinants of the Preference Heterogeneity of Basic Research of Chinese Firms[J]. Science Research Management, 2021,42(3):12-22
[53] 马鸿佳,肖彬,郑秀恋.创业供应链对新企业绩效作用机理:基于组态视角的定性比较研究[J].管理评论, 2023,35(1):298-309 Ma H. J., Xiao B., Zheng X. L. The Mechanism of Entrepreneurial Supply Chain's Effect on New Venture's Performance:A Qualitative Comparative Analysis Based on the Configurational Perspective[J]. Management Review, 2023,35(1):298-309
[54] Andries P., Thorwarth S. Should Firms Outsource Their Basic Research?The Impact of Firm Size on In-house versus Outsourced R&D Productivity[J]. Creativity and Innovation Management, 2014,23(3):303-317