Micro-level learning and alliance portfolio performance

Abstract

This study examines learning mechanisms to explain why some firms extract superior economic rents from their alliance portfolios. In particular, we examine the relationship between alliance experience and the use of learning mechanisms, as well as the impact of learning mechanisms on a firm's capability to manage alliance portfolios. The results are based on a detailed survey among 192 alliance managers and Vice-Presidents reporting on over 3400 alliances initiated over the period 1997?2001. The empirical findings reveal what micro-level learning mechanisms contribute to manage alliance portfolios successfully and empirically validate how lessons from prior alliances can be leveraged across a firm's entire alliance portfolio.