Intra-firm technological knowledge transfer: a capabilities perspective

Abstract

With a significant growth in international R&D, this trend offers a greater opportunity for global corporate sharing of knowledge, but the underlying must be adapted for the demands of managing technological knowledge flows across functional and geographical boundaries. Some impediments to technology transfer are associated with such issues as deeply rooted organisational values and lack of people transfer. This paper introduces evidence from five innovation case studies based on the technology transfer experiences of a UK based multinational cable-making firm. As very few empirical investigations provide insights from the capabilities perspective in relation to managing intra-firm technology transfer, this paper attempts to address this issue. Key components are explored from the capabilities perspective including resources, routines, organisation and processes/paths, which may help Technology Managers to better understand the nature of capabilities that affect the transfer of technological knowledge. Furthermore, technology transfer might be viewed as a vehicle that enhances a firm's capabilities and can provide the basis of competitive advantage.