My research focuses on the intersection between strategy and innovation at various levels (regions, 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.
Specifically, my research has three interrelated themes:
Knowledge and Technological Innovation, Digitization, Data-driven BusinessH. Jiang, Y. Zhang, and J. Jiao. (2023) A Recombinant Framework of Technological Information Disclosure and Reward-Based Crowdfunding Performance of Technology Projects. Entrepreneurship Theory & Practice.
Cheng, S.F., P. Lin, Y. Tan, and Y. Zhang. (Equal Contribution and Alphabetical Order). (2023) “High” Innovators? Marijuana Legalization and Regional Innovation. Production and Operations Management, 32(3), 685-703.
Zhang, Y., and W. Yang. (2022) Breakthrough Invention and Problem Complexity: Evidence from a Quasi-Experiment. Strategic Management Journal, 43(12), 2510-2544.
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.
Han, N., Y. Zhang, and T. Tong. Appropriability Risk and Knowledge Search. (Under review at Research Policy)
Zhang, Y., and Brian Wu. Government Data and Agricultural Productivity: Evidence from the National Agriculture Imagery Program. (Pending submission)