Subsidiary Linkage Patterns: Learning Prospects and Spillover Risks

Alessandra Perri, Ulf Andersson, Phillip C. Nell, Grazia D. Santangelo

    Research output: Contribution to conferencePaperResearchpeer-review

    Abstract

    This paper investigates local vertical linkages of foreign subsidiaries and the dual role of such linkages as conduits for learning as well as potential channels for spillovers to competitors. On the basis of data from 97 subsidiaries, we analyze the quality of such linkages under varying levels of competition and subsidiary capabilities. Our theoretical development and the results from the analysis document a far more complex and dynamic relationship between levels of competition and MNCs’ local participation in knowledge intensive activities, i.e. learning and spillovers, than previous studies do. We find a curvilinear relationship between the extent of competitive pressure and the quality of local linkages confirming our argument of a trade-off between learning prospects and spillover risks. Furthermore, the level of subsidiary capabilities moderates this relationship.
    Original languageEnglish
    Publication date2012
    Number of pages44
    Publication statusPublished - 2012
    EventAIB 2012 Annual Meeting: Rethinking the Roles of Business, Government and NGOs in the Global Economy - George Washington University and University of Maryland, Washington, United States
    Duration: 30 Jun 20123 Jul 2012
    Conference number: 54
    http://aib.msu.edu/events/2012/

    Conference

    ConferenceAIB 2012 Annual Meeting
    Number54
    LocationGeorge Washington University and University of Maryland
    Country/TerritoryUnited States
    CityWashington
    Period30/06/201203/07/2012
    Internet address

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