Abstract
In this paper, we investigate (i) the relationship between international spillovers and knowledge acquisition, and, (ii) intra-firm subsidiary-to-parent transfer of technology among Japanese firms in the United States. Using a survey of 185 firms, probit regressions reveal that R&D personnel and market power significantly influence the acquisition of knowledge associated with basic and applied science and product development. Tacit knowledge that resides in customers, and skilled personnel are effective sources for exploitation of international knowledge spillovers. Participation in seminars and conferences also enhances the acquisition of applied science. Firms that rely on codified sources are unlikely to acquire any knowledge. This research also confirms other authors’ findings that subsidiary autonomy facilitates knowledge acquisition. In addition, knowledge in product development is most likely to lead to vertical intra-firm transfers while applied scientific research only results in the transfer of R&D capability. Scientific team visits from the US to Japan support subsidiaries’ transfer of R&D capability but teams sent from Japan to the US adversely affect transfers. Overall, our results suggest international spillovers are predominantly associated with the acquisition of tacit knowledge, and intra-firm transfers are most effective in the context of knowledge acquired in applied research and product development.
Highlights
How firms acquire and transfer knowledge as well as technology has attracted attention among economists and management scholars studying innovation (Vega-Jurado et al 2009; Phene, Almeida 2008)
The first is concerned with the sources of international spillovers that influence knowledge mode acquisition among Japanese firms
The aforementioned themes were examined through probit regressions that attempt to explain first, relevant sources of knowledge spillovers that contribute to firms’ technology acquisition, and second, if knowledge modes acquired positively influence intrafirm transfers
Summary
How firms acquire and transfer knowledge as well as technology has attracted attention among economists and management scholars studying innovation (Vega-Jurado et al 2009; Phene, Almeida 2008). Nology are partially public, knowledge can be acquired or produced by another firm without incurring large additional costs Such spillover effects have attracted much attention but are typically studied using secondary data Our focus on Japanese subsidiary activities in the US should shed light on the role of international spillovers on technology acquisition, and intra-firm knowledge transfers among MNCs. we elaborate upon the literature that provides the theoretical and behavioral contexts of firms in knowledge acquisition and intra-firm technology transfer. We elaborate upon the literature that provides the theoretical and behavioral contexts of firms in knowledge acquisition and intra-firm technology transfer This is followed by a description of the survey data and methodology. We analyze the data and discuss the results, and conclude with some implications of the findings
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