An Empirical Study of Multi-layered Networks of Organizations

- The Impact of Raw Materials Trading and Technology Insertion on Patents -

Abstract

This research focuses on the raw materials trading and technology insertion networks of the Japanese petrochemical industry. Although there is overlap in knowledge, this study demonstrates the influence of both networks formed between companies with completely different relationships on research and development (R&D) capability. The study uses indexes calculated using network analysis for two years in 2009 and 2013 and performed a negative binomial regression model analysis. Each centrality index of both networks not only improved R&D capability, but also had an interaction effect. Demonstrating the use of multiple different corporate networks in combination not only contributes to network theory and absorptive capacity theory, but is also a practical contribution to innovation strategies.