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Technology integration through international acquisitions: the case of foreign manufacturing TNCs in Sweden

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  • Ivarsson, Inge
  • Vahlne, Jan-Erik

Abstract

Using unique firm-level data from almost the entire stock of acquired foreign-owned manufacturing affiliates in Sweden in 1993, we analyse the extent to which TNCs are able to tap into foreign sources of technological competence. Far from all TNCs appear to be involved in the coordination and integration of their acquired affiliates' technology, or to be engaged in the kind of "dynamic technological integration", that combines firm-specific and country-specific competencies generated by acquired affiliates with technological linkages to local firms, and to TNC units. A logistic regression analysis showed that coordination and integration of technology in TNCs is positively correlated with the length of time the affiliates have been a part of the parent corporation, while dynamic technological integration was positively correlated with affiliates operating in competitive Swedish industry clusters. Case studies suggest that the coordination and integration of technology is developed under external pressure in combination with an "organic" growth of internally gained experience through cross-border learning processes.

Suggested Citation

  • Ivarsson, Inge & Vahlne, Jan-Erik, 2002. "Technology integration through international acquisitions: the case of foreign manufacturing TNCs in Sweden," Scandinavian Journal of Management, Elsevier, vol. 18(1), pages 1-27, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:scaman:v:18:y:2002:i:1:p:1-27
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Park, Byung Il & Ghauri, Pervez N., 2011. "Key factors affecting acquisition of technological capabilities from foreign acquiring firms by small and medium sized local firms," Journal of World Business, Elsevier, vol. 46(1), pages 116-125, January.
    2. Marina Papanastassiou & Robert Pearce & Antonello Zanfei, 2020. "Changing perspectives on the internationalization of R&D and innovation by multinational enterprises: A review of the literature," Journal of International Business Studies, Palgrave Macmillan;Academy of International Business, vol. 51(4), pages 623-664, June.
    3. Ivarsson, Inge & Jonsson, Thommy, 2003. "Local technological competence and asset-seeking FDI: an empirical study of manufacturing and wholesale affiliates in Sweden," International Business Review, Elsevier, vol. 12(3), pages 369-386, June.
    4. Schweizer, Roger & Vahlne, Jan-Erik, 2022. "Non-linear internationalization and the Uppsala model – On the importance of individuals," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 140(C), pages 583-592.
    5. Park, Byung Il & Choi, Jiyul, 2014. "Control mechanisms of MNEs and absorption of foreign technology in cross-border acquisitions," International Business Review, Elsevier, vol. 23(1), pages 130-144.

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