Collaborative Innovation and Governance Structures: A Meta-Analytical Study of Family Firm Performance

The exchange of knowledge and resources across organizational boundaries is crucial for family firms to facilitate growth and survival. However, the relationship between collaborative innovation practices and family firm performance remains contested due to conflicting findings. This meta-analysis synthesizes 65 studies encompassing 173.274 family firms across 21 countries between 1997 and 2021 with the aim of addressing this debate. The analysis confirms a positive link between collaborative innovation and family firm performance, moderated by the type of collaboration partner. Specifically, collaborations with R&D partners yield the greatest benefits by providing access to advanced technologies and external expertise. In addition, governance structures significantly influence the relationship, with family ownership strengthening the positive effect, while family management imposes constraints related to control and alignment concerns. These findings underscore the importance of strategic partner selection and governance alignment to optimize innovation outcomes in family businesses.