The structure and dynamics of the global network of inter-firm R&D partnerships 1989–2002

Abstract

Research and development (R&D) partnerships are formed to share the risks and benefits of R&D. At the macro level, they result in a globe-spanning network that can be a valuable source of international knowledge spillovers. This network is the subject of a considerable body of literature. Often-made claims are that R&D collaboration is an important activity in a competitive environment, but that the importance of international partnerships has declined over time. Furthermore, it is claimed that collaborations are disproportionally concentrated within the developed economies. However, this literature fails to account for variations in the sizes of underlying firm populations between countries and over time. We argue that these population sizes create an opportunity structure of available collaboration partners for firms, and that ignoring variations in this structure potentially leads to erroneous conclusions about the structure and dynamics of the R&D network. To address this problem, we study the structure and dynamics of the global R&D network on an international and cross-industry scale using longitudinal data for

International Partnership as a Tool to R&D Achievements

“…Furthermore, there are some longitudinal studies that show the trends of partnerships up to the beginning of the 2000's decade (Bojanowski, Corten and Westbrock, 2012;Hagedoorn, 2002). Since then, the theme evolved substantially, and the number of partnerships has increased considerably (Kim and Song, 2007).…”

“…Such networks can be a valuable source of international knowledge spillovers, or knowledge flows (Bojanowski, Corten and Westbrock, 2012), playing an important role in innovative R&D partnerships (Belderbos, Carree and Lokshin, 2004). Additionally, adaptation to local needs, lower costs of R&D personnel (Duysters and Lokshin, 2011) cost and risk sharing of the activity (Autant-Bernard et al, 2007) are also motivations for international R&D partnerships.…”

“…The literature suggests that in order to maintain and develop successful international R&D partnerships it is necessary to have sufficiently open knowledge exchange (Bojanowski, Corten and Westbrock, 2012;Zhang et al, 2010;Kim and Song, 2007). On the other hand, it is a concern that this openness may cause opportunistic behaviour in the partnership (Dickson, Weaver and Hoy, 2006;Zhang, 2010).…”

“…We also recommend practical developments for international R&D partnerships for small and medium enterprises and for managing a complex portfolio of partners. We also advocate that measures for supplier capacity and joint patents, and the update of studies about the trends on R&D partnerships (Bojanowski, Corten and Westbrock, 2012;Hagedoorn, 2002) would complement the extant literature. This way, the study contributes to the knowledge in the area and to practitioners as well.…”

R&D Venture: proposition of a technology transfer concept for breakthrough technologies with R&D cooperation: A case study in the energy sector

“…The practical implications on management to react to breakthrough innovation are manifold. These range from visionary leadership, availability for ''patient money'', planning flexibility, greater involvement, and the participation of wider management functions (Kanter 1985) to increase absorption capability, expand cooperation within a value network (Miotti and Sachwald 2003;Belderbos et al 2004;Dushnitsky and Lenox 2005a, b;Bojanowski et al 2011;Christensen 2003) or develop a timely entry strategy (Suarez and Lanzolla 2007). Figure 2 structures the technology transfer models for large corporations and introduces R&D Ventures.…”