Collaboration on the quality of the business relationship with the supplier and its effect on innovation

Abstract

Objective: The central purpose of this research establishes the mediating influence of collaboration to innovate at the nexus between superior quality business relationships and innovation in processes and products, considering its impact on the supply chain. Method: The study analyzed data using structural equations (PLS-SEM) to discern direct and indirect effects and their significance. Explained variance (VAF) was evaluated to determine the mediating effect in 250 Colombian agribusinesses through a structured questionnaire. Results: It was found that co-innovation exhibits a positive and partial mediating effect between the quality of the commercial link and the degrees of process and product innovation in productive organizations. Discussions: Collaboration, the result of close business ties based on relationship marketing, generates the adoption of innovations for those involved, results that are difficult to achieve individually. Conclusions: The results allow us to further explore how trade relations are sources of innovation in the agricultural sector to promote greater regional competitiveness.