Resource complementarities in R&D network for innovation performance: evidence from the agricultural sector in Brazil and Spain

Abstract

This article deals with interorganizational networks for the development of technologies and innovation, the sharing of resources to generate competitive advantages, and the complementarity of resources within the context of interorganizational relations. The aim was to establish the relationship between the complementarity of resources in networks and innovation performance. This research used qualitative comparative analysis and content analysis to investigate 25 networks in the agrobusiness sector in Brazil and Spain. Findings revealed that there is complementarity among resources in a network created to innovate; to produce innovation a combination of resources in the networks is necessary, there is a country effect on the resources set connected to innovation, the network is a structure that favors innovation development but its ‘management’ is essential to achieving success.