Make Your Own Or Cooperate With Others?the Effect Of R&D Behavior On Firm's Product Innovation Based On The Paradox Of Openness

Independent R&D and cooperative R&D are commonly used in business practice,but companies tend to face a dual choice problem.In order to maximize the benefits of innovation,some companies want to take into account both independent R&D and cooperative R&D.The existing research conclusions about the relationship between independent R&D and cooperative R&D are inconsistent.Our country's firms are now on their transformation process from imitation innovation to indigenous innovation,and the firms have a strong demand to be engaged in independent R&D and cooperative R&D.At the same time,knowledge is known as the most important asset of an enterprise,and intellectual property is often used to protect the core knowledge of the business to avoid disclosure.However,existing research shows that the role of intellectual property mechanisms is double-sided.Some studies have shown that the use of intellectual property mechanisms is more conducive to product innovation,but others show that the mechanisms will hinder product innovation.Therefore,from the angle of the open paradox,this article will verify the effects of independent R&D and cooperative R&D on product innovation,and then focus on exploring the effect of working on the two kinds of R&D behavior at the same time on product innovation.Further,considering that the biggest concern under the paradox of openness is the leak of important knowledge,this article will examine the protection effect of intellectual property rights on the three kinds of R&D behavior to answer whether the intellectual property rights can solve the problem of "paradox of openness".With an empirical study of 286 manufacturing firms,this article finds that:(1)Both independent R&D and cooperative R&D have a positive effect on innovation,but they will have a negative influence on inovation when operated at the same time;(2)Mechanisms of intellectual property rights are beneficial to promote the positive influence of the independent,cooperative R&D on innovation,and weaken the negative impact of carrying out independent R&D and cooperative R&D at the same time.Research conclusions have theoretical guidance and practical significance for Chinese firms' R&D activity.