With whom should I work? Partners' network characteristics and innovation persistence.

In studying the implications of collaboration networks on innovation persistence, previous research has primarily focused on the network characteristics of focal inventors, often overlooking those of their partners. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate what and how partners' network characteristics-specifically, network centrality and structural holes-affect the focal inventor's innovation persistence, by positing and testing the diversity and novelty of knowledge recombination as important mediators. We collected a panel patent dataset in the lithography industry between 2000 and 2023 and conducted data analysis using ordinary least squares (OLS) regression model, robustness test, and endogeneity test. Results indicate that partners' network centrality has an inverted U-shaped impact on innovation persistence, whereas partners' structural holes positively influence innovation persistence. The findings further show how the diversity and novelty of knowledge recombination mediate the relationships between partners' network characteristics and innovation persistence. This paper provides valuable insights for inventors, researchers, and policymakers, emphasizing the crucial role of partnerships and knowledge recombination in promoting innovation persistence.