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Hyder, A. S., Sundström, A. & Chowdhury, E. (2022). Network-based market orientation knowledge for internationalization of disruptive innovation in SMEs. Central European Management Journal, 30(3), 36-60
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Network-based market orientation knowledge for internationalization of disruptive innovation in SMEs
2022 (English)In: Central European Management Journal, ISSN 2658-0845, Vol. 30, no 3, p. 36-60Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

Abstract

Purpose: This study explores network-based market orientation (MO) knowledge development for internationalization of disruptive innovation (DI) by small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

Methodology: To manage knowledge development for DI internationalization, a business model was applied to a single case study. The case company participated in a series of workshops and allowed on-site visits and interviews for a period of two years in a European Union funded project. The workshops helped the SME to gather MO and networking knowledge, and then apply that knowledge internally in the organization and externally, in interactions with suppliers, buyers, and other members of the buyer chain.

Findings: Although technological and market efforts usually proceed separately, this study shows that technical and MO knowledge gathering activities can go together through external and internal networking.

Research limitations/implications: To overcome the limitation of one case study, several SMEs can be included in a future research to make a comparative analysis. A further study can investigate how technical and market networks can be integrated in the knowledge development process to speed up internationalization. Managers can learn to internationalize DI by collaborating, knowledge sharing, and networking with other SMEs, suppliers, and firms in the buyer chain.

Originality: The current study contributes to DI literature through highlighting knowledge generation in SMEs from a process perspective, as well as integrating technical and MO efforts for internationalization.

Keywords: knowledge development, disruptive innovation, market orientation, network, internationalization.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Sciendo, 2022
Keywords
knowledge development, disruptive innovation, market orientation, network, internationalization
National Category
Economics and Business
Research subject
Intelligent Industry
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:hig:diva-38234 (URN)10.7206/cemj.2658-0845.81 (DOI)000868351100002 ()2-s2.0-85140753533 (Scopus ID)
Funder
Swedish Agency for Economic and Regional Growth
Available from: 2022-03-23 Created: 2022-03-23 Last updated: 2023-03-08Bibliographically approved
Sundström, A., Hyder, A. S. & Chowdhury, E. (2021). Market-oriented business model for SMEs' disruptive innovations internationalization. Marketing Intelligence & Planning, 39(5), 670-686
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Market-oriented business model for SMEs' disruptive innovations internationalization
2021 (English)In: Marketing Intelligence & Planning, ISSN 0263-4503, E-ISSN 1758-8049, Vol. 39, no 5, p. 670-686Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

Purpose

The aim of this study is to develop and evaluate a market-oriented business model (MOBM) and analyze how it contributes to internationalization of SMEs' disruptive innovation.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on market orientation literature, an MOBM is developed and assessed through collaboration among companies, researchers and networking partners. For the evaluation of the model, qualitative data was collected through workshops, interviews and participatory observations at four case SMEs. Methodologically, the implementation of the MOBM consists of a systematic knowledge development process by following four work packages to support the companies' market-oriented internationalization.

Findings

The results show that SMEs face internal barriers to developing innovativeness that hinder them from creating effective disruptive innovation for the international buyer chain. The study finds that SMEs need to work with an MOBM for developing market intelligence within the organization and seek external support for entering the international market. Practical implications The methodological strength allows application, evaluation and modification of the MOBM in close collaboration with the SMEs that directly benefit from its implementation. Modifying the principles of market orientation by practical application, SMEs can apply the MOBM to analyze their internationalization capacity for high-tech disruptive innovations.

Originality/value

This article contributes to new thinking by introducing market orientation to SMEs' internationalization of disruptive innovation. The study highlights the less researched field of disruptive innovation by developing the MOBM to deal with SMEs' internationalization.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Emerald, 2021
Keywords
Market orientation, SMEs, Business model, Disruptive innovation, Internationalization, Buyer chains
National Category
Economics and Business
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:hig:diva-35409 (URN)10.1108/MIP-10-2019-0527 (DOI)000619600600001 ()2-s2.0-85101486666 (Scopus ID)
Funder
European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)
Available from: 2021-03-09 Created: 2021-03-09 Last updated: 2023-03-08Bibliographically approved
Rambaree, K., Sundström, A., Wang, Z. & Wright, S. A. I. (2021). Qualitative stakeholder analysis for a Swedish regional biogas development: A thematic network approach. Sustainability, 13(14), Article ID 8003.
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Qualitative stakeholder analysis for a Swedish regional biogas development: A thematic network approach
2021 (English)In: Sustainability, E-ISSN 2071-1050, Vol. 13, no 14, article id 8003Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

The creation of pathways toward a societal transition to clean energy requires the engagement of multiple stakeholders with different and sometimes conflicting interests. In this connection, stakeholder analysis (SA) offers a technique for identifying, assessing and structuring different needs, interests and concerns related to different stakeholders within the context of sustainability. This article aims to present the findings from a qualitative stakeholder analysis (QSA) by using a thematic network approach (TNA), with the help of the ATLAS.ti software. It focuses on Project X, which was aimed at engaging multiple stakeholders and creating favorable conditions for small and medium-sized companies in a region situated in the central part of Sweden, with the potential to start biogas production. In this work, the findings and discussions of the QSA using TNA are structured by using the political, economic, social, technological, environmental and legal (PESTEL) themes of the model. The present study concludes that for the small-scale biogas industry to successfully develop an understanding of the possibilities of the biogas value chain, it is necessary to have analyzed the nature of the main themes by which various stakeholders relate to biogas production and envision their contribution to creating a sustainable society. Herein, we demonstrate that QSA by a TNA, combined with the application of a PESTEL model, are valuable analytical tools in sustainable project management. The lessons from Project X can be applied to other local biogas initiatives, as many identified threats and opportunities are shared by others. 

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
MDPI, 2021
Keywords
Biogas, Energy, PESTEL, Qualitative stakeholder analysis, Thematic network approach, energy efficiency, energy management, energy resource, regional development, software, stakeholder, Sweden
National Category
Environmental Sciences
Research subject
Sustainable Urban Development
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:hig:diva-36915 (URN)10.3390/su13148003 (DOI)000677006700001 ()2-s2.0-85111260052 (Scopus ID)
Funder
European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), 20204053
Available from: 2021-08-19 Created: 2021-08-19 Last updated: 2023-04-14Bibliographically approved
Sundström, A. & Mickelsson, K. (2020). Board and top management social sustainability work in cluster organizations. Sustainability, 12(19), Article ID 8115.
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Board and top management social sustainability work in cluster organizations
2020 (English)In: Sustainability, E-ISSN 2071-1050, Vol. 12, no 19, article id 8115Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

ABSTRACT: This case study aims to analyze how boards and top management in regional cluster organizations contribute to social sustainability commitment for themselves and their member organizations with specific focus on gender equality and diversity issues. The study adopts a case study research approach, where interviews, observations and secondary data constitute the basis for in-depth analysis. To deepen the case analysis, four theoretical perspectives are applied for pattern-matching: stakeholder, resource dependence, agency and institutional theory. Results of the study show that the boards are aware of stakeholder requirements, have necessary resources and expertise, and are well aware of the importance of social sustainability, but they act traditionally by focusing on economic incentives and responsibility. Board members act symbolically by transferring social responsibility to the top management of these cluster organizations through their applications for funds. From agency and stakeholder perspectives, the fund application regulates roles and responsibilities between the parties. Top management legitimates the responsibility by initiating projects and initiatives to strengthen social sustainability in a substantive way in member organizations. The study contributes to show that the board's mission and role have symbolic significance for building social responsibility, while top management contributes substantively.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Basel, Switzerland: MDPI, 2020
Keywords
social sustainability; cluster organizations; board composistion; top management
National Category
Economics and Business
Research subject
Intelligent Industry
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:hig:diva-34127 (URN)10.3390/su12198115 (DOI)000586558900001 ()2-s2.0-85092670183 (Scopus ID)
Funder
European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)
Available from: 2020-10-14 Created: 2020-10-14 Last updated: 2022-02-10Bibliographically approved
Sundström, A., Hyder, A. S. & Chowdhury, E. (2020). Market-oriented CSR implementation in SMEs with sustainable innovations: an action research approach. Baltic Journal of Management, 15(5), 775-795
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Market-oriented CSR implementation in SMEs with sustainable innovations: an action research approach
2020 (English)In: Baltic Journal of Management, ISSN 1746-5265, E-ISSN 1746-5273, Vol. 15, no 5, p. 775-795Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

Purpose

The purpose of the study is to identify and analyze critical mediating and moderating market intelligence challenges faced by the SMEs when implementing corporate social responsibility (CSR) based on an applied market-oriented business model (MOBM).

Design/methodology/approach

Focusing on developing CSR-integrated market intelligence, this study uses an action research method by analyzing four case studies. Data is collected through interviews, interactive and knowledge-sharing meetings and on-site observations. The study is part of a larger European Union project using the developed MOBM to follow the four companies' CSR implementation and learning process over a 14-month period. The action research includes seven meetings; between these, the researchers introduced the SMEs to different business focus areas, where CSR is a vital part of the MOBM.

Findings

This study shows that the SMEs are too technology-focused and have little initial idea of how to integrate CSR advantages for market intelligence into their internationalization. The MOBM model offers insights and knowledge on the strength and weakness of the internal organization to meet challenges in internationalization.

Originality/value

Via case study and action research, this study spotlights the challenges that SMEs face in the CSR implementation process and how they deal with those challenges to develop market intelligence competence internally. Instead of following a traditional research approach, the current study applies a CSR-based method where the SMEs go through a knowledge development process that originated from a theoretically designed MOBM.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Emerald Publishing Limited, 2020
Keywords
Business modelCase study, CSR, Knowledge development, Market orientation, Mediator, Moderator, SMEs
National Category
Economics and Business
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:hig:diva-33408 (URN)10.1108/BJM-03-2020-0091 (DOI)000564379400001 ()2-s2.0-85089582189 (Scopus ID)
Available from: 2020-08-31 Created: 2020-08-31 Last updated: 2023-03-08Bibliographically approved
Sundström, A., Ahmadi, Z. & Mickelsson, K. (2019). Implementing social sustainability for innovative industrial work environments. Sustainability, 11(12), Article ID 3402.
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Implementing social sustainability for innovative industrial work environments
2019 (English)In: Sustainability, E-ISSN 2071-1050, Vol. 11, no 12, article id 3402Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

Industrial companies are in a situation that requires them to reconsider their social sustainability agenda in order to attract new employees. Building upon interviews with CEOs and HR managers in 20 small medium enterprises (SMEs), this study aims to analyze how high-tech companies and industrial engineering companies define and implement social sustainability into business strategies and operations. Data was collected from 20 interviews and secondary information coded for categorical data analysis in SPSS Statistics 22 software. The findings show that although the companies have adopted several kinds of International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standards, social sustainability is still absent from their operational activities and is considered of lower importance than environmental sustainability. Thus, the implementation of social sustainability can be considered symbolic rather substantive. The study also shows differences between the two groups of companies. The high-tech company group pays little attention to social sustainability aspects, instead focusing on product innovation development. While the industrial engineering group has some interest in social sustainability, their focus is primarily on issues linked to health and safety in order to meet increasing demands from supply chain compliance. Neglecting social aspects of sustainability, such as addressing gender equality and diversity, may cause difficulties in attracting a new workforce.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
MDPI AG, 2019
Keywords
social sustainability; high-tech companies; industrial engineering companies; preparation; environmental sustainability
National Category
Business Administration
Research subject
Intelligent Industry
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:hig:diva-30567 (URN)10.3390/su11123402 (DOI)000473753700172 ()2-s2.0-85069766872 (Scopus ID)
Note

Funding agency:

- University of Gävle

Available from: 2019-08-23 Created: 2019-08-23 Last updated: 2022-02-10Bibliographically approved
Sundström, A. & Ahmadi, Z. (2019). The Mediating Role of CSR on the Market Orientation and Strategic Performance Relationship: A Study of the Public Housing Companies in Sweden. Sustainability, 11(6), Article ID 1537.
Open this publication in new window or tab >>The Mediating Role of CSR on the Market Orientation and Strategic Performance Relationship: A Study of the Public Housing Companies in Sweden
2019 (English)In: Sustainability, E-ISSN 2071-1050, Vol. 11, no 6, article id 1537Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

This article serves to analyze the impact of corporate social responsibility (CSR) on (1) the market orientation and strategic performance relationship related to public housing companies’ choice of construction strategies and (2) the companies’ responsiveness to gathered and disseminated customer information. The quantitative method is applied, with data analyzed by the PROCESS analysis. The result is based on a survey sent to 289 public housing companies in Sweden. Previous research suggests a positive relationship between market orientation and strategic performance, which was not confirmed by this study. When testing the mediation effects of CSR on the market orientation and construction strategies relationship, these hypotheses were confirmed related to social and environmental dimensions—not economic ones. This study was limited to public housing companies, a sector that radically differs from the situation of companies in the open market. The study increases public housing companies’ knowledge of CSR effects on the market orientation and strategic performance relationship. This result contributes useful information for companies implementing CSR in their activities. The study highlights the importance of integrating CSR into an organization’s market orientation work and shows how CSR improves the companies’ ability to meet customers’ strategic needs.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
MDPI, 2019
Keywords
market orientation, mediating, CSR, strategic performance, public housing companies, construction strategies
National Category
Business Administration
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:hig:diva-27975 (URN)10.3390/su11061537 (DOI)000465613000032 ()2-s2.0-85063497984 (Scopus ID)
Available from: 2018-09-26 Created: 2018-09-26 Last updated: 2022-02-10Bibliographically approved
Hyder, A. S. & Sundström, A. (2018). Is CSR focused Internationalization Realistic for High-Tech Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs)?. In: Soliman K. S. (Ed.), Proceedings of the 32nd International Business Information Management Association Conference, IBIMA 2018 - Vision 2020: Sustainable Economic Development and Application of Innovation Management from Regional expansion to Global Growth: . Paper presented at 32nd International Business Information Management Association Conference, IBIMA 2018, 15-15 November 2018, Seville, Spain (pp. 3868-3872). International Business Information Management Association (IBIMA), -
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Is CSR focused Internationalization Realistic for High-Tech Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs)?
2018 (English)In: Proceedings of the 32nd International Business Information Management Association Conference, IBIMA 2018 - Vision 2020: Sustainable Economic Development and Application of Innovation Management from Regional expansion to Global Growth / [ed] Soliman K. S., International Business Information Management Association (IBIMA), 2018, Vol. -, p. 3868-3872Conference paper, Published paper (Refereed)
Abstract [en]

This study analyzes how high-tech SMEs approach CSR focused internationalization through networking and trust. Research has so far concentrated on CSR in large companies as it is not a usual practice in SMEs, particularly in connection with internationalization. High-tech SMEs face resource constraints and knowledge to apply CSR as a competitive tool in internationalization. In this paper, it is argued that development and implementation of CSR based internationalization in SMEs is a difficult learning process, which needs to be coordinated and supported by other firms in their network. Trust between the partners is necessary for collaboration. By applying an interactive approach, data has been collected from the ongoing marketing process in four high-tech Swedish SMEs in the steel industry. All the participating SMEs understand the importance of CSR in international marketing. However, success of CSR implementation in the SMEs varied depending on the area of business. The least CSR implemented SME focused on the improvement of work environment and financial sustainability through partnership with the customers and the investors. The most successful CSR focused company dealt with industrial residues and extraction of other minerals from hazardous waste for selling, making the reuse of residues possible. This study highlights the need of sustainability, both for the high-tech manufacturing SMEs and creating a strong selling argument towards the international buyers.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
International Business Information Management Association (IBIMA), 2018
National Category
Economics and Business
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:hig:diva-30594 (URN)000525490800100 ()2-s2.0-85063055960 (Scopus ID)978-0-9998551-1-9 (ISBN)
Conference
32nd International Business Information Management Association Conference, IBIMA 2018, 15-15 November 2018, Seville, Spain
Available from: 2019-08-27 Created: 2019-08-27 Last updated: 2023-03-08Bibliographically approved
Sundström, A. & Ahmadi, Z. (2018). The Mediating Effects of CSR on Market Orientation Responsiveness in Housing Companies’ Business. In: XIX ISA World Congress of Sociology: Book of Abstracts. Paper presented at Power, Violence and Justice: Reflections, Responses and Responsibilities, XIX ISA World Congress of Sociology, International Sociological Association (ISA), July 15-21, 2018, Toronto, Canada (pp. 928-928).
Open this publication in new window or tab >>The Mediating Effects of CSR on Market Orientation Responsiveness in Housing Companies’ Business
2018 (English)In: XIX ISA World Congress of Sociology: Book of Abstracts, 2018, p. 928-928Conference paper, Oral presentation with published abstract (Refereed)
Abstract [en]

Market orientation research assumes that the company’s knowledge of customer needs has an impact on their responsiveness to customer requirements. From a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) perspective, it is not enough to be responsive to customers’ expressed needs, as accountability should be proactively integrated in core business operations including taking responsibility for stakeholders. As CSR effects on market orientation have received limited interest in research, this study investigates the mediating role of CSR on company responsiveness to customer needs from a market intelligence perspective.

Attention is paid to Swedish public housing companies to manage the transformation from being socially-driven to becoming economically-driving based on return of investments. Traditionally, the public HCs’ offered living conditions based on the principle that all people are entitled to good housing, which meant that they gained a price-setting role in the housing market. Their social role and economic importance are especially critical in declining markets. The new legislation expects of companies to act market oriented and based on economic principles. Suggested is that customer needs are handled by CSR. In this study the three elements of CSR (social, economic and environmental) are investigated to improve knowledge of their separate mediating role on market orientation. To improve comparability both public and private HCs in declining markets are investigated.

The purpose of this study is to examine how CSR elements have mediating effects on public housing companies’ activities in the markets.

The quantitative method is applied. The result is based on a survey sent to 289 Swedish public housing companies.

The results show that the all dimension of CSR are more positively correlated with market orientation responsiveness in public HCs.

This study deal with public housing companies and intend only to highlight the effects of CSR as having mediating influence as crucial for company´s customer commitment.

National Category
Business Administration Sociology
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:hig:diva-29336 (URN)
Conference
Power, Violence and Justice: Reflections, Responses and Responsibilities, XIX ISA World Congress of Sociology, International Sociological Association (ISA), July 15-21, 2018, Toronto, Canada
Available from: 2019-02-28 Created: 2019-02-28 Last updated: 2019-10-11Bibliographically approved
Sundström, A. & Ahmadi, Z. (2018). The mediating role of CSR on the market orientation strategic responsiveness and performance relationship. In: : . Paper presented at XIX ISA World Congress of Sociology, 15-21 July 2018, Toronto, Canada.
Open this publication in new window or tab >>The mediating role of CSR on the market orientation strategic responsiveness and performance relationship
2018 (English)Conference paper, Oral presentation only (Refereed)
National Category
Economics and Business
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:hig:diva-30752 (URN)
Conference
XIX ISA World Congress of Sociology, 15-21 July 2018, Toronto, Canada
Available from: 2019-10-09 Created: 2019-10-09 Last updated: 2019-10-09Bibliographically approved
Projects
Design of global supply chains in Swedish engineering firms [2009-04027_Vinnova]; University of Gävle; Publications
von Haartman, R. & Bengtsson, L. (2015). The impact of global purchasing and supplier integration on product innovation. Paper presented at 20th EurOMA Conference, Operations Management at the Heart of the Recovery, 7-12 June 2013, Dublin, Ireland. International Journal of Operations & Production Management, 35(9), 1295-1311von Haartman, R. & Bengtsson, L. (2013). Global sourcing’s impact on sustainability: Vile or virtue?. In: : . Paper presented at POMS - Production and Operations Management Society, Denver, USA, May 3 – May 6, 2013.
Organisations
Identifiers
ORCID iD: ORCID iD iconorcid.org/0000-0003-3258-0671

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