International Inbound Open Innovation and International Performance

Abstract

This work analyzes the relationship between international inbound open innovation and international performance, including the complementary role played by firms’ intellectual capital. Based on a survey of 8,973 Spanish manufacturing firms, the findings confirm that externalization by means of international inbound open innovation, both strategically and financially, favours international performance measured in terms of international patents. Regarding the moderating effect of intellectual capital, the results show that both human and technological capital boost the impact of international inbound open innovation on international performance. Organizational capital also increases the benefits of financial inbound open innovation; however, it impacts negatively in the case of strategic inbound open innovation. The additional benefits of externalization may add extra value to international performance.