Most literature on international R&D has employed a static and MNC-centered view, assuming some kind of evolutionary process by which R&D activities are internationalized, typically with some labs adapting products to local markets first, and whole research facilities being implemented on a world-wide basis last to finally profit from a "global innovation network". This article challenges such a view, asking for a thorough and critical investigation. It will be shown that there are many counter-examples questioning the traditional view of evolutionary development and "optimal" organization that hovers around the "centralisation - decentralisation" dichotomy. Instead, a look on several contingency effects and empirical phenomena is proposed to gain interesting insights as to the limitations of many traditional models. The case of China′s economic emergence provides a final illustration for these arguments. The conclusion shows how theoretical concepts known from other disciplines may serve as an analytical framework that can take into account more aptly the developments alluded.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Some Allegations in Literature With Respect to R&D Internationalization
- Critical appraisal: Methodological, Historical, Size and Technology Effects
- China's Economic Emergence
- Towards a New Framework for Global R&D
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This paper critically examines the existing literature on global innovation management, questioning the prevalent assumption of a linear trend toward a global innovation network. It aims to demonstrate the limitations of traditional models based on cost optimization and organizational structure, highlighting the influence of various contingency factors on R&D internationalization.
- The limitations of traditional models of R&D internationalization
- The influence of contingency factors on R&D internationalization
- The role of historical context and economic regulation in shaping R&D patterns
- The importance of firm size, industry, and technology in determining R&D strategy
- The significance of emerging economies like China in redefining the landscape of innovation
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
- The first chapter presents a critical analysis of the existing literature on R&D internationalization, highlighting the prevalent assumption of a linear trend toward a global innovation network. It discusses various arguments and studies supporting this view, emphasizing the role of cost optimization, transaction cost theory, and the emergence of a transnational firm model.
- The second chapter critically reviews the assumptions and methodologies used in existing research on R&D internationalization. It presents empirical evidence that challenges the traditional view, emphasizing methodological flaws, historical context, and the significance of size and technology effects. It showcases the limitations of existing theory in capturing the complexities of global innovation.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
This paper focuses on the internationalization of research and development (R&D), global innovation networks, contingency effects, methodological limitations, historical context, firm size, technology effects, and the emergence of China as a key player in the global innovation landscape. It critically examines the existing theoretical frameworks and explores alternative approaches to understanding the dynamics of R&D internationalization in the context of a changing global economic order.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a linear trend towards a global innovation network?
This article challenges the traditional view of a linear evolutionary process, suggesting that R&D internationalization is more complex and influenced by various counter-examples.
What are the limitations of traditional R&D models?
Traditional models often rely on a static "centralization vs. decentralization" dichotomy and fail to account for contingency effects like firm size, technology type, and historical context.
How does China's economic emergence impact global innovation?
China serves as a key illustration of how emerging economies redefine R&D patterns, moving away from traditional MNC-centered evolutionary models.
What are contingency effects in innovation management?
These are specific factors—such as industry regulations, technology life cycles, and firm size—that determine the "optimal" organization of R&D activities in a given situation.
Why is the transnational firm model being questioned?
Empirical evidence shows methodological flaws in assuming all firms follow the same path toward a world-wide "global innovation network" based on cost optimization alone.
What new framework is proposed for global R&D?
The article suggests using theoretical concepts from other disciplines to create an analytical framework that better captures historical and economic regulatory developments.
- Citar trabajo
- Marcus Matthias Keupp (Autor), 2005, A critical appraisal of global innovation management literature: Is there really a "trend towards a global innovation network"?, Múnich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/34663
