The relationship between technology transfer, outsourcing and organizational capabilities with innovative performance in drug industry

Today, one of the key factors for the survival of manufacturing companies is the continuous promotion of innovative performance. Innovative performance maintains competitive advantage and organizational development. On the other hand, improving the technology of products, processes and workplaces is an important factor for corporate development. Since creating innovative performance requires the use of appropriate technology, pharmaceutical companies can achieve their goals by outsourcing and technology transfer strategies.

The present study was implemented in two studies using a qualitative-quantitative mixed research design. The hybrid approach in this study is anatomical mixed design. The statistical population of this study consists of 83 active pharmaceutical companies in Tehran. The quantitative design is a descriptive goal in terms of research strategy, survey and data collection methods. Accordingly, using Structural Equation Modeling and Partial Least Squares Technique (Smart-PLS 2) for analyzing the collected data, using quantitative-qualitative descriptive mixed design. Qualitative approach (using content analysis of semi-structured interviews to understand the hidden angles between variables and the topic of innovation in the pharmaceutical industry) has also been used in the present study.

The results showed that technology transfer with outsourcing leads to improved organizational capabilities and ultimately enhances product and process innovation which in turn improves innovative performance. Also the results of the content analysis of the interviews indicate the sensitivity and necessity of paying attention to the innovation of the pharmaceutical industry in the current situation.