Innovation Pathways: Value Capture through Collaboration in Norway

This study investigates the dynamics of collaborative innovation among Norwegian firms, focusing on the configurations of innovation activities, collaborative relationships, and technology investments that drive value capture. Addressing the challenges and opportunities within Norway's unique economic context, the research examines how different types of collaborative partnerships impact firm innovation performance. Utilizing data from the Innovation Norway Business Survey (2018-2022), a mixed-methods approach combining descriptive statistics and fuzzy-set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (fsQCA) was employed. The descriptive analysis revealed significant variance in innovation adoption among firms, while fsQCA identified key configurations associated with high value capture. Results indicate that selective collaboration, particularly when coupled with process innovation and strategic technology investments, outperforms pure strategies. The study highlights the importance of aligning collaborative initiatives with digital capabilities and adapting to specific regional conditions. These findings offer actionable insights for Norwegian firms and policymakers seeking to foster a resilient innovation ecosystem. They contribute to a more nuanced understanding of effective collaborative innovation strategies, emphasizing the context-specific nature of successful value capture in the digital age. They extend previous understanding by showing the importance of innovation, technology and relationships.