Abstract
We link the knowledge-based view of the firm and the social network approach to propose a theory of how intrafirm network characteristics affect the firm?s recombination speed in relation to the incorporation of technologically distant
external knowledge into its production of inventions. We start from the widely accepted view that distant, externally-developed knowledge is difficult to incorporate into the focal firm?s own production. We suggest that high levels of intrafirm network diversity, tie strength, and network density are essential for a diversity of knowledge inputs, knowledge transfer, and coordinated actions which in turn, reduce the problems pertaining to the incorporation of distant knowledge. The results of an event history study of 113 pharmaceutical firms that engaged in technology in-licensing during 1986-2003 generally support our hypotheses.
external knowledge into its production of inventions. We start from the widely accepted view that distant, externally-developed knowledge is difficult to incorporate into the focal firm?s own production. We suggest that high levels of intrafirm network diversity, tie strength, and network density are essential for a diversity of knowledge inputs, knowledge transfer, and coordinated actions which in turn, reduce the problems pertaining to the incorporation of distant knowledge. The results of an event history study of 113 pharmaceutical firms that engaged in technology in-licensing during 1986-2003 generally support our hypotheses.
Original language | English |
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Publication date | 2015 |
Number of pages | 39 |
Publication status | Published - 2015 |
Event | The DRUID Society Conference 2015: The Relevance of Innovation - LUISS Business School, Rome, Italy Duration: 15 Jun 2015 → 17 Jun 2015 Conference number: 37 http://druid8.sit.aau.dk/druid/registrant/index/login/cid/16 |
Conference
Conference | The DRUID Society Conference 2015 |
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Number | 37 |
Location | LUISS Business School |
Country/Territory | Italy |
City | Rome |
Period | 15/06/2015 → 17/06/2015 |
Sponsor | LUISS Guido Carli - Libera Università Internazionale degli Studi Sociali Guido Carli |
Internet address |