The use of knowledge for technological innovation within diversified firms

• 成果类型: Article
• 署名作者: Miller, Douglas J.; Fern, Michael J.; Cardinal, Laura B.
• 署名单位: University of Illinois System; University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign; University of Victoria; University of Victoria; Tulane University
• 刊物名称: ACADEMY OF MANAGEMENT JOURNAL
• ISSN/ISSBN: 0001-4273
• DOI: 10.5465/20159856
• 发表日期: 2007
• 页码: 308-326
• 关键词: research-and-development; patent citations; LOCAL SEARCH; absorptive-capacity; acquiring firms; BOUNDARIES; acquisitions; capabilities; performance; RESOURCES

摘要

We propose that searching for and transferring knowledge across divisions in a diversified firm can cultivate innovation. Using a sample of 211,636 patents from 1,644 companies during the period 1985-96, we find that the use of interdivisional knowledge positively affects the impact of an invention on subsequent technological developments. Furthermore, the positive effect of the use of interdivisional knowledge on the impact of an invention is stronger than the effect of using knowledge from within divisional boundaries or from outside firm boundaries. Our empirical findings have significant implications for the management of knowledge in diversified firms.