The impact of internal and external technology sourcing on innovation performance: a review and research agenda

In seeking to strategically boost their innovation capabilities, technology-driven companies can mobilise internal as well as external sourcing strategies. A number of researchers in the field of technology management have assessed the impact of these two organisational choices on innovation performance. Empirical findings are striking but relatively scattered and give the impression of diverse and sometimes contradictory conclusions. The purpose of this review is therefore to survey and consolidate the key findings we can draw from this stream of empirical research. In particular, we point out the need for moderators in studying the relation between technology sourcing and innovation performance. Going forward from this current state of affairs, we suggest future avenues of research on innovation performance in the field of technology management.