Appropriability profiles - Different actors, different outcomes

Abstract

Compared to existing knowledge of innovation appropriability in general, or individual mechanisms contributing to value appropriation, little is known about the configurations of isolating appropriability mechanisms. Such configurations — appropriability profiles — may look quite different for different actors, and may generate quite different performance outcomes. We examine survey data from 167 firms and identify specific profiles among different actors: subtle, attained, and controlled appropriability. We further show that industry, presence in international markets, and firm goals for protection, for example, are important attributes of these profiles. The results also suggest that different profiles relate to different performance outcomes in the market, innovation, and alliance dimensions. These findings can help managers build appropriability profiles that genuinely match their characteristics and needs, thereby escaping the problems with under- or over-protection that can easily take place if, for example, only appropriation strategies building on individual mechanisms, such as patents, are followed.