This paper proposes mechanisms of SME supplier upgrading during the cooperation life cycle, in the CEE context. The methodology consists in 1) confronting and then combining the global value chain governance and the resource-based streams of research on upgrading and learning with the use of the cooperation cycle as a mediator and 2) formulating research hypotheses to be tested in the specific type of case study, namely a prospective case study. According to the findings, in the initial phase of cooperation, upgrading is primarily determined by the network governance mode, which depends on asset specificity, contractual hazards, and supplier capability. At this stage of cooperation, we also identified absorptive capacity as instrumental to introducing customer-driven innovations. During the evolution of cooperation, upgrading is determined by absorptive capacity and dynamic capabilities of the supplier, while the governance mode forms an institutional framework enabling these factors to act.

中文翻译：

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合作生命周期中的中小企业供应商升级–来自中欧和东欧的证据

本文提出了在中东欧背景下，在合作生命周期中中小企业供应商升级的机制。该方法包括：1）面对全球价值链治理以及基于资源的升级和学习研究流，然后以合作周期为中介，将其结合起来； 2）拟定具体类型的研究假设案例研究，即前瞻性案例研究。根据调查结果，在合作的初始阶段，升级主要取决于网络治理模式，该模式取决于资产的特定性，合同风险和供应商的能力。在合作的这一阶段，我们还确定了吸收能力对引入客户驱动型创新至关重要。在合作发展过程中，