chapter 13
103. Autonomous strategic behavior and induced strategic behavior are the two processes of internal corporate venturing.
Autonomous strategic behavior is a bottom-up process through which a product champion facilitates the
commercialization of an innovative good or service. Induced strategic behavior is a top-down process in which a firm’s
current strategy and structure facilitate product or process innovations that are associated with them.
104. A firm may not have the knowledge and capabilities necessary to be entrepreneurial and innovative. A strategic
alliance in those cases offers an excellent means to obtain the needed knowledge and resources. However, strategic
alliances are not without risks. The strategic alliance partner can appropriate a firm’s technology or knowledge and use
these to enhance its own competitive abilities. Additionally, a firm can become involved in too many alliances, which can
harm its innovative capabilities.
105. In general, internationalization leads to improved firm performance. Research shows that new ventures that enter
international markets increase their learning of new technological knowledge, which enhances their performance. Because
of the learning and the economies of scale and scope afforded by operating in international markets, firms are often
stronger competitors in their domestic markets as well. In addition, internationally diversified firms are generally more
innovative than domestic-only firms.
106. Internal corporate venturing is the set of activities a firm uses to create inventions and innovations through internal
means. There are two forms of internal corporate venturing, (1) autonomous strategic behavior (a bottom-up process
employing product champions) and (2) induced strategic behavior (a top-down process whereby product innovations are
fostered by the current strategy and structure of the firm). In the cooperative strategy approach to innovation, firms may
choose to share their knowledge and skills sets with other organizations through strategic alliances. The ideal partners
have complementary assets with the potential to lead to future innovations. Frequently, established firms exchange
investment capital and distribution capabilities with newer, entrepreneurial firms with new technical knowledge.
Acquisition of other companies represents the third approach firms use to produce and manage innovation. Acquiring
another firm rapidly extends the firm’s product line and increases the firm’s revenues. However, firms using the
acquisition strategy may lose the ability to innovate internally.
107. Firms engage in three types of innovative activity. Invention is the act of creating and developing a new product or
process. Innovation is the process of commercializing the products or processes that surfaced through invention. The
success of an invention is judged by technical criteria. The success of innovation is judged by commercial criteria.
Imitation is the adoption of an innovation by similar firms. Imitation usually leads to product or process standardization,
offering the product at a lower price without as many features. Innovation is the most critical activity because
commercializing inventions is difficult.
108. Shared values and effective leadership support cross-functional integration. The firm’s culture, based on its vision
and mission, promotes unity and supports cross-functional integration. Strategic leaders set goals and allocate resources
for cross-functional teams. A high-quality communication system allows team members to share knowledge. Effective
communications helps create synergy and gains team members’ commitment to innovation.
109. Through acquisition an organization can gain another firm’s innovations and innovative capabilities. Acquisitions are
a means to rapidly extend the firm’s product lines and increase revenues. Buying innovation, however, comes with the risk
of reducing a firm’s internal invention and innovative capabilities.