Knowledge transfer in open innovation through licensing: evidence of Chinese firms

Abstract

This article aims at analysing technological knowledge transfer through the implementation of open innovation (OI) in China thanks to patent licensing. It addresses the following question: What are the open processes based on patent licensing used by Chinese firms to share their knowledge? Knowledge sharing is investigated through three recognised processes: out-licensing, in-licensing and coupled ones. While previous studies have enriched our understanding of a specific openness process (mostly in-licensing), they give the limited empirical evidence of these three processes. Our research extends these studies by outlining the deployment of the three processes by Chinese firms. It contributes to a comprehensive approach of knowledge sharing by shedding light on their relationships.