To Learn or to Mis-Learn? Technology Transfer and Firm Innovation

Abstract

We investigate the tacit implications of technology transfer on firm innovation performance. We show that in the interorganizational knowledge network, firms achieve higher innovation performance when they have more direct ties with research institutes, but less indirect ties with other firms via these institutes. We explain the mechanisms by combining the theories of organizational learning and knowledge network to illustrate the phenomenon of academia-industry knowledge spillovers. We expound the boundary conditions by examining the contingency effects of firm knowledge heterogeneity. This study yields theoretical and practical implications for technology-driven entrepreneurs aspiring to formulate proper knowledge management strategies.