Network types and performance in SMEs: the mediating effects of technology commercialization

This study seeks to explore the mediating technology commercialization in the relationshipbetween network types and business performance. Building on literature regardingtechnology commercialization and networks, hypotheses are developed and tested using 221samples collected from Korean small- and medium-sized enterprises which operate in theGreen Information Technology sector. Results reveal that technology commercializationplays a mediating role in the link. In particular, it is found that the commercializationactivity fully mediates the association between network diversity and the business outcome. The findings imply that particular emphasis should be placed on technologycommercialization activities in order to bring intensity-based network activities to superior performance.