Inter-firm learning: Learning Opportunities in R&D Alliances, and Learning Capacities of the Firms

Abstract

Received research has focused on knowledge domain distance to conceptualize the cognitive distance in inter-firm learning. In this research, we revisit this approach. We conceptualize the cognitive distance based on two dimensions: knowledge domain distance and knowledge architecture distance, and theorize the association of each dimension with firm learning in alliances. We test our theory on a sample of 278 dyadic R&D alliances in the semiconductor industry. We use content analysis to identify the technological scope of each alliance to minimize the noise in the operationalization of cognitive distance dimensions. Our findings show while knowledge architecture distance has an inverted-U shape association, knowledge domain distance has a negative association with firm learning.