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Knowledge catalysts: The role of generalist incumbents in post-hiring knowledge integration

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  • Tong, Di
  • Lee, Jeongsik “Jay”

Abstract

Learning-by-hiring is deemed an important channel through which firms tap into external knowledge, yet recent research shows that, post-hiring, incumbent inventors make only limited use of hiring-brought knowledge. This study suggests the mix of generalists among hiring firm incumbent inventors as an important factor promoting the post-hiring use of hired inventors' pre-hire knowledge by incumbents, especially in entering unexperienced knowledge domains. Exploiting a series of U. S. State R&D tax credits policies as an exogenous shock to the composition of hiring firm inventors, we find evidence supportive of our propositions. Our study contributes to the learning-by-hiring literature by demonstrating the importance of a hiring firm's human capital composition in facilitating post-hiring knowledge integration.

Suggested Citation

  • Tong, Di & Lee, Jeongsik “Jay”, 2024. "Knowledge catalysts: The role of generalist incumbents in post-hiring knowledge integration," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 53(1).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:respol:v:53:y:2024:i:1:s0048733323001944
    DOI: 10.1016/j.respol.2023.104910
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Learning-by-hiring; Human capital; Inventor mobility; Knowledge integration; Innovation;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • J6 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Mobility, Unemployment, Vacancies, and Immigrant Workers
    • M1 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Business Administration

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