Session

Session 1: Big Data From Small Satellites 1

Abstract

The rapid growth of the small satellite industry has led to many new firm entries and an increased number of innovations. While some companies have focus their innovation efforts on improving the satellite systems, others have devoted their efforts on finding novel applications of small satellites. In this paper, we examine what factors drive companies’ innovation choices, and how technological resources and top management team experience influence companies’ pursuit of innovation. We categorize innovation choices in terms of products and application innovation. Using data from 196 companies seeking profit in the small satellite industry, we show that while having related technology is positively related to product innovation, having a CEO with more diverse experience is positively related to application innovation. We also find that firms may not be able to pursue product innovation if they don’t have the necessary technological ingredients. Innovation choices are important antecedents of companies’ innovation performance. By identifying the drivers of firm’s innovation choices, results of this paper provide implications for explaining innovation performance.

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Aug 7th, 3:30 PM

What Drives Innovation and Use of Big Data in the Small Satellite Industry? The Role of Technological Resources and Managerial Experience

The rapid growth of the small satellite industry has led to many new firm entries and an increased number of innovations. While some companies have focus their innovation efforts on improving the satellite systems, others have devoted their efforts on finding novel applications of small satellites. In this paper, we examine what factors drive companies’ innovation choices, and how technological resources and top management team experience influence companies’ pursuit of innovation. We categorize innovation choices in terms of products and application innovation. Using data from 196 companies seeking profit in the small satellite industry, we show that while having related technology is positively related to product innovation, having a CEO with more diverse experience is positively related to application innovation. We also find that firms may not be able to pursue product innovation if they don’t have the necessary technological ingredients. Innovation choices are important antecedents of companies’ innovation performance. By identifying the drivers of firm’s innovation choices, results of this paper provide implications for explaining innovation performance.