Mixed methods research in technology and innovation management (TIM): A review of three leading TIM journals and recommendations for moving forward

Abstract

Mixed methods research is considered valuable for understanding the increasingly complex and disrupted nature of innovation, yet relevant methodological discussions are scarce in the field of technology and innovation management (TIM). To address this research gap, this study explores the current landscape of mixed methods research in the TIM field (including prevalence rate, rationales, research types, rigors, and challenges) by reviewing peer-reviewed articles published in three leading TIM journals and conducting interviews with their editors and selected authors. This study identifies a lower prevalence rate of mixed methods research than in other business disciplines despite its added value in the TIM field. This may be partly because of the additional challenges in research and publication (such as a lack of references for atypical research designs and more work required by the reviewing team), given the predominant engagement of TIM researchers in quantitative research. The study concludes by providing practical recommendations for the TIM research community to promote more mixed methods research. Most importantly, further research and methodological discussions are needed to support the education and training of experts using mixed methods, which can be facilitated by the current study.