Knowledge diversity as a moderator: Inter-firm relationships, R&D investment and absorptive capacity
Journal
Technology Analysis and Strategic Management
Journal Volume
23
Journal Issue
3
Pages
331-343
Date Issued
2011
Author(s)
Abstract
The study examines how knowledge diversity moderates the effects of R&D investment, strategic alliances, and acquisitions on firm performance using a sample of 2404 firm-year data from US technology firms. Results confirm that the main effect of knowledge diversity on firm growth is not significant and it indeed plays a role of a moderator. The theory of absorptive capacity provides a good explanation that for firms with high knowledge diversity, strategic alliances and acquisitions are more effective while for firms with low knowledge diversity, internal R&D investment is more effective. These findings point to an important research direct that the characteristics of a firm's knowledge portfolio play a critical role in determining the effectiveness of knowledge sourcing as well as interfirm partnership strategies.
Type
journal article