群眾募資平台與創新：探討平台與提案者的合作互動及其對創新過程的影響

Abstract

群眾募資（Crowdfunding）是2010年前後興起之創新融資方式，提案者與贊助者在網際網路中，透過中介組織管理的群眾募資機制得以配對。群眾募資在既有的創新研究中，被廣泛認為能促進創新，尤其透過一種能即時獲得群眾反饋的機制來達成。除了私部門的利用外，近年臺灣政府機關亦開始以群眾募資作為促進地方產業創新的工具。 本研究以臺灣群眾募資作為經驗研究對象，尤其關注其中的中介組織——群眾募資平台如何影響創新。具體來說，本研究首先探討集資平台在群眾募資中的功能及作用，再以鄰近性理論作為集資平台與提案者間互動關係的分析架構，最後指認集資平台如何影響創新過程。 透過質性研究取徑，並以參與觀察法及深入訪談等方式進行資料蒐集，本研究發現集資平台在治理專業化機制的同時，也會以具有彈性的中介機制，及提供集資中所需如倉儲物流、廣告行銷、集資顧問等知識或技術服務來增加競爭力。當集資平台透過向提案者提供服務來介入集資專案時，雙方的互動動態則受到地理（geographical）、認知（cognitive）、制度（institutional）、組織（organizational）及社會（social）等不同面向鄰近性的交互影響。此外，本研究更發現平台與提案者之社會鄰近性扮演更重要的角色，特別是其強化了雙方的信任程度及合作互動。最後，本研究指出集資平台對於創新過程的正面及負面影響。正面影響方面，平台在群眾募資為開放式創新示範中，扮演串接外部知識及網絡的重要功能，同時也為其他組織提供外部創新的實踐場域；負面影響方面，須注意平台為私有企業，因此提案者在平台上的資料及數據可能隨著公司倒閉、轉型或其他因素而消失。

Crowdfunding emerged around 2010 as an innovative financing tool, connecting ventures and sponsors through intermediary mechanisms on the internet. Previous studies have recognized the function of crowdfunding for promoting innovation, primarily through mechanisms that facilitate instant feedback from the crowd. Recently, Taiwanese government agencies have also started leveraging crowdfunding to foster local industry innovation. This study examines crowdfunding in Taiwan, focusing on the role of intermediaries, specifically crowdfunding platforms (CFPs), in influencing innovation. First, the study explores the functions and roles of CFPs in crowdfunding. Then, it applies proximity theory as an analytical framework to interpret the interaction between CFPs and ventures. Finally, it identifies how CFPs impact the innovation process. Utilizing a qualitative research approach and data collection methods such as participant observation and in-depth interviews, this study finds that while CFPs operate through professional mechanisms, they also enhance competitiveness by offering flexible intermediary mechanisms and other services such as warehousing logistics, advertising , marketing, and crowdfunding consulting. When CFPs provide services to ventures, the dynamic interactions are influenced by various dimensions of proximity: geographical, cognitive, institutional, organizational, and social. The study reveals that social proximity between platforms and ventures is particularly crucial in strengthening mutual trust and collaboration. Furthermore, the study highlights both the positive and negative impacts of CFPs on the innovation process. Positively, in the context of crowdfunding as a demonstration of open innovation, CFPs can facilitate connections to external knowledge and networks, while also providing a practical field for external innovation for other organizations. Negatively, it should be noted that since CFPs are private enterprises, the data of proposers on the platform may disappear due to company bankruptcy, transformation, or other factors.