Abstract:Based in 146 independent empirical studies and used the Meta analysis method, this paper intended to explore the relationship between inbound, outbound external R D as well as its various dimensions and enterprise innovation performance. The conclusion was as follows: The external R D , inbound external R D as well as outbound external R D all had significant positive impacts on innovation performance; in the inbound external R D, the introduction of cooperation (cooperation with scientific research organizations, joint ventures), the introduction of purchase (technology, equipment or service) and outsourcing to the promotion of innovation performance gradually weakened; and in the outbound external R D, undertaking outsourcing had a significant impact on innovation performance while the selling technology was not significant. In addition, cultural factors, the existence of mediators and the measurement of innovation performance all affected the relationship between external R D and innovation performance.