Abstract
In this paper we examine the role of resources in improving new product process outcomes. We propose a model where resource flexibility and augmentation serve as mechanisms to identify and accumulate resources that increase the firm’s ability to respond to opportunities and challenges in the new product development process. Important to the development of this resource base is the need to also leverage accumulated resources. Thus, the model is further developed to incorporate the role of resource leveraging as a moderator to the resource base and performance link. Using a cross-industry sample, a series of hypotheses are tested to evaluate the moderating role of resource leveraging on the link between a firm’s resource base and its performance. Results suggest that resource flexibility and augmentation improves new product outcomes, and that resource leveraging can lead to enhanced performance.