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Towards a model of effective knowledge transfer within transnationals: The case of Chinese foreign invested enterprises

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  • Paul Miesing
  • Mark Kriger
  • Neil Slough

Abstract

In this paper Chinese foreign invested enterprises (FIEs) are employed as prototypes to generate a model of how transnationals can transfer both tacit and explicit knowledge between their units as well as between FIEs and the parent organization. We propose that successful intra-organization knowledge transfer depends upon: (1) collective creation of knowledge as intellectual and social capital available throughout the organization; (2) trust-based collaboration among geographically dispersed entities that form the transnational organization; and (3) the willingness and ability of organizational units to use that knowledge. The paper further proposes that organizational knowledge should ideally flow in multiple directions, providing learning opportunities for both investing and host organizations. Implications for transfer of best practices, a specific form of tacit knowledge, are also offered. Copyright Springer Science+Business Media, LLC 2007

Suggested Citation

  • Paul Miesing & Mark Kriger & Neil Slough, 2007. "Towards a model of effective knowledge transfer within transnationals: The case of Chinese foreign invested enterprises," The Journal of Technology Transfer, Springer, vol. 32(1), pages 109-122, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:jtecht:v:32:y:2007:i:1:p:109-122
    DOI: 10.1007/s10961-006-9006-y
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Sugandhavanija, Pornpimol & Sukchai, Sukruedee & Ketjoy, Nipon & Klongboonjit, Sakol, 2011. "Determination of effective university–industry joint research for photovoltaic technology transfer (UIJRPTT) in Thailand," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 36(2), pages 600-607.
    2. Di Minin, Alberto & Zhang, Jieyin & Gammeltoft, Peter, 2012. "Chinese foreign direct investment in R&D in Europe: A new model of R&D internationalization?," European Management Journal, Elsevier, vol. 30(3), pages 189-203.
    3. Zhang, Jian & Vialle, Pierre, 2014. "An event-based analysis of Huawei's strategic path and style," 25th European Regional ITS Conference, Brussels 2014 101379, International Telecommunications Society (ITS).

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Chinese foreign invested enterprises; Collective transnational strategy; Knowledge transfer; F02; F23; O32;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • F02 - International Economics - - General - - - International Economic Order and Integration
    • F23 - International Economics - - International Factor Movements and International Business - - - Multinational Firms; International Business
    • O32 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Management of Technological Innovation and R&D

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