Research Summary
My research generally covers innovation, strategy, and entrepreneurship. Specifically, my research is focused on three interrelated themes: 1. Digitization and Innovation; 2. Innovation and Patenting; 3. Innovation in China. In general, I study the intersection between strategy and innovation at different levels (firm, project, individual, and patent). I use econometric methods combined with computational techniques to study the antecedents, processes, and implications of organizations’ strategic decisions by drawing from theories of knowledge and innovation.
Keywords: knowledge and innovation, digitization, (big) data-driven business.
Publication
• Cheng, S.F., P. Lin, Y. Tan, and Y. Zhang (Equal Contribution and Alphabetical Order). (Forthcoming) “High” Innovators? Marijuana Legalization and Regional Innovation. Production and Operations Management.
• Zhang, Y., and W. Yang. (Forthcoming) Breakthrough Invention and Problem Complexity: Evidence from a Quasi-Experiment. Strategic Management Journal.
• Zhang, Y., J. Li, and T. Tong. (2022) How Platform Gatekeeping Affects Knowledge Sharing among Complementors. Strategic Management Journal, 43(3), 599-626.
• Zhang, Y., and T. Tong. (2021) Vertical integration and rm innovation: Quasi-experimental evidence. Organization Science, 32(2), 455-479
[An earlier version won the 2014 Robert J. Litschert Best Paper by Doctoral Students Award, BPS Division, AOM]
• Zhong, W., Z. Ma, T. Tong, Y. Zhang, and L. Xie. (2021) Customer Concentration, Executive Attention, and Firm Search Behavior. Academy of Management Journal, 64(5), 1625-1647.
• Tong, T., Z. He, Y. Zhang, and W. He. (2018) A Database Linking Chinese Patents to China's Census Firms. Scientific Data, 5(1), 1-16.
• Tong, T., K. Zhang, Z. He, and Y. Zhang. (2018) What determines the duration of patent examination in China? Evidence from the population of invention patent applications at the SIPO. Research Policy, 47(3), 583-591.
• He, Z., T. Tong, Y. Zhang, and W. He. (2018) Constructing a Chinese patent database of listed firms in China: Descriptions, lessons, and insights. Journal of Economics and Management Strategy, 27(3), 579-606.
Work in Progress
• Yuchen Zhang and Brian Wu. Task-relevant Data for Management: Evidence from Agriculture. (Preparing for submission)
• Han, N., Y. Zhang, and T. Tong. Appropriability Risk and Knowledge Search. (Under review at Research Policy)
• Zhong, W., X. Yi, Z. Ma, and Y. Zhang. Female-inclusive TMT and Firm Innovation. (Under the 1st round revise and resubmit at Strategic Management Journal)
• Zhang, Y., H. Jiang, and J. Jiao. Technical Information Disclosure in Crowdfunding Project Descriptions. (Under the 2nd round revise and resubmit at Entrepreneurship Theory & Practice)