Assessment of Interorganizational Technology Transfer Efficiency

Abstract

In this paper we propose a methodology for assessing the efficiency of technology transfer through merger and acquisition (M&A) and empirically estimate the effect of key factors impacting it. We implement data envelopment analysis (DEA) to calculate an efficiency score of the technology transfer process. The DEA efficiency score integrates a set of outputs (post-merger characteristics of an acquirer) and inputs (pre-merger technological parameters of a target); thus, it provides a multidimensional estimate of efficiency adjusted for the value of the acquired technology base.In the empirical part of this research, we collect data from 434 M&As to study a channel for transferring a technology base across organizational boundaries. Overall, empirical results suggest the adverse outcomes of accumulation of capability to value external technology: the higher the acquirer’s R&D intensity, the lower the efficiency of interorganizational technology transfer. The size of acquirer and relative size of the deal also affect the post-merger outcomes significantly and negatively. At the same time, the estimated effect of such technological characteristics of acquirer as capital expenditure intensity and number of patents is insignificant.