How Do National Laboratories Fulfil Their Mission? A Synergistic Driving Analysis Based on NCA and TJ-QCA
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 19450560 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Xinyu Zhou (0000-0002-1606-5816, Max Planck Institute for the History of Science), Xiangyu Zhou (0000-0002-0217-5344, Xiangyu Zhou, School of Public Affairs, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; ‘China in the Global System of Science’ Research Group, Max Planck Institute for the History of Science, Berlin, Germany.), Wei Wu (0000-0003-1901-9134, Zhejiang University), Kaihua Chen (0000-0003-3908-2616, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences), Jiani Li (0000-0002-8258-3654, Zhejiang University, corresponding author) |
| Year | 2025 |
| Volume | 30 |
| Issue | 4 |
| Pages | 690-709 |
| Publication date | 2025-12-01 |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Science Technology and Society (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 0971-7218 • E-ISSN: 0973-0796 |
| Publisher | SAGE Publications (PUBLISHER • US) |
| DOI | 10.1177/09717218251376754 |
| OpenAlex | W4415721950 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 27 |
National Laboratories (NLs) function as pivotal strategic engines in national innovation systems. Addressing the core challenge of optimising mission fulfilment in current reforms, this study innovatively introduces the dynamic capability theory and employs necessity condition analysis (NCA) and Trajectory-based Qualitative Comparative Analysis (TJ-QCA) to systematically examine US NLs. The findings reveal: (a) No single capability stands as a direct and indispensable prerequisite for high mission fulfilment in US NLs, but early enhancement of research facilities operations yields the highest marginal returns. (b) Four synergistic pathways: Mission fulfilment derives from distinct configurations—Facility-driven, Factor agglomeration-driven, Strategic scientist-driven, and Coupled governance-driven. By tracing the evolutionary trajectories of these configurations, the study deciphers the ‘black box’ of the dynamic capability-driven process in mission-oriented R&D organisations. The findings advance strategic management theory while providing policymakers with evidence-based pathways to optimise mission fulfilment through capability reconfiguration
Dynamic Capabilities · Qualitative analysis · Qualitative comparative analysis · Strategic planning · Tracing · Complex Systems and Decision Making · Management and Organizational Studies · Qualitative Comparative Analysis Research
Redesigning Social Inquiry
Between Politics and Science
Understanding dynamic capabilities
Big Science Collaborations; Lessons for Global Governance and Leadership
A Social Mission is Not Enough
American Genesis
Set-Theoretic Methods for the Social Sciences
Building Science Community by Attracting Global Talents
Tracing complex urban transformations in Germany, Switzerland and Austria using trajectory-based qualitative comparative analysis (TJ-QCA)
The Demola model as a public policy tool boosting collaboration in innovation
Agency and economic change in regions
Secret Science
Trajectory-based Qualitative Comparative Analysis
| Highly cited | No |
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