How is Collaborative Innovation in Smes Organised? Exploring the Use of Conventional and Computer-Mediated Interaction

The paper focuses on the interaction mode of collaborative relationships by SMEs. We distinguish between conventional interaction and computer-mediated interaction. Three characteristics in interaction play a role: the partner type, the spatial reach and the nature of knowledge. The paper uses survey data for innovative SMEs in the Brussels-Capital Region, consisting of 296 collaborative relationships by 59 SMEs. The unit of our analysis is the relationship. As SMEs can have multiple relationships and different interaction modes can be used simultaneously, warranting a bivariate probit model. Our findings help practitioners to dodge pitfalls when setting up collaborative innovation projects