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The economics of knowledge regulation: an empirical analysis of knowledge flows
Author(s) -
Häussler Carolin
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
randd management
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.253
H-Index - 102
eISSN - 1467-9310
pISSN - 0033-6807
DOI - 10.1111/j.1467-9310.2010.00593.x
Subject(s) - competitor analysis , business , knowledge base , channel (broadcasting) , competitive advantage , descriptive knowledge , knowledge value chain , knowledge management , industrial organization , marketing , organizational learning , computer science , computer network , world wide web
Successful innovation depends on the management of a firm's knowledge base. This paper empirically investigates the determinants of knowledge regulation. Using a unique survey dataset, the analysis suggests that research and development managers do not leak knowledge randomly, but rather regulate knowledge consciously. I find that the source and the channel of knowledge inflows impact knowledge regulation. The findings reveal that the more a firm profits from knowledge inflows from competitors, the fewer actions it takes to regulate outgoing knowledge. I do not find that the extent of knowledge inflows from collaborating firms impacts knowledge regulation. However, the type of channel being used to acquire knowledge matters. Compared with public channels, the different types of private channels used to access knowledge inflow and the type of the competitive relationship influence the firms' decision to regulate knowledge outflow in the following way: concerning relationships with competitors, firms regulate knowledge outflow more when using formal channels, but less when using informal channels; concerning collaborative relationships, firms regulate knowledge outflow less regardless of whether they are using formal or informal private channels compared with using public channels. Presumably, firms that acquire knowledge from competing firms through formal private channels try to establish opaque and soundproof fences to surround them, whereas firms that acquire knowledge from collaborating firms through formal or informal private channels do not want to restrict circulation, but rather facilitate inter‐firm knowledge exchange.

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