대·중소기업 신제품개발 협력과정과 상생정책

Abstract

This study focuses on the collaborative new product development (NPD) process between large firms and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). It identifies two types of the collaborative NPD processes, and suggests key success factors for each type. Recent research shows that the importance of collaborative NPD becomes higher because it can integrate and utilize the other firms' innovation capabilities efficiently and effectively. Collaboration in NPD and strategic alliances are very crucial in the open innovation paradigm. This study conducts in-depth case analysis on 8 collaborative NPD cases between large firms and SMEs. The result of this study identify two types of NPD processes, i) collaborative NPD for supply and procurement (vertical collaborative NPD) and ii) collaborative NPD among partners with mutually complementary capabilities and resources for new business development (horizontal collaborative NPD). The process of vertical NPD follows three stages: i) relationship building, ii) capability verification, and iii) product development stages. The process of horizontal NPD follows two stages: i) relationship building and ii) co-development stages. Major activities and key success factors (KSFs) of SMEs for vertical collaborative NPD are business opportunity identification, partner’s needs identification, continuous relationship development, trust building, and technological development capability. Specifically, major activities and KSFs of large firms for vertical collaborative NPD are potential needs identification, technological assesment capability for supplier firms, providing information/people/resources to supplier firms, providing product test environment, and strategic intent. In horizontal collaborative NPD, major activities and KSFs are strategic/resources fits between partners, clear division of roles, active communication, and the sharing scheme for the business results obtained through partnership. This study concludes that NPD processes and key success factors are different depending upon the types of partnership: vertical and horizontal NPD. Furthermore, this study suggests government policy guidelines to promote vertical and horizontal NPD and to foster the benefits of mutual cooperation. Large firms and SMEs should utilize the opportunities of these collaborative NPD alliances. Government should provide policies for connecting demand and supply between large firms and SMEs, increasing SMEs’ capabilities, supporting trust building between large firms and SMEs, and creating cooperative culture and environment.