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Technology transfer within MNEs: An investigation of inter-subsidiary competition and cooperation

Author

Listed:
  • Dan Li

    (Indiana University, EUA)

  • Manuel Portugal Ferreira

    (Instituto Politécnico de Leiria, Portugal)

  • Fernando Serra

    (UNISUL Business School, Brasil)

Abstract

Much theory and research that seeks to explain why and how technology transfers occur within multinational enterprises (MNEs) actually addresses the question of how these transfers occur among cooperative subsidiaries, and relies on the assumption of inter-subsidiary cooperation. However, subsidiaries do not always cooperate. We suggest that the success of technology transfer among subsidiaries depends on the extent to which the relationships among an MNE's subsidiaries (i.e. inter-subsidiary) are competitive or cooperative. Inter-subsidiary cooperation is determined by the MNE's international strategy, organizational structure, and the social relationships among subsidiaries. Both hierarchical and social relational factors drive the potential for inter-subsidiary multimarket competition that originates from the overlap on the subsidiaries' products, technologies, and market portfolios.

Suggested Citation

  • Dan Li & Manuel Portugal Ferreira & Fernando Serra, 2007. "Technology transfer within MNEs: An investigation of inter-subsidiary competition and cooperation," Working Papers 1, globADVANTAGE, Polytechnic Institute of Leiria.
    • Handle: RePEc:pil:wpaper:1
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    File URL: https://globadvantage.ipleiria.pt/files/2007/11/working-paper-1_globadvantage.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Manuel Portugal Ferreira & Fernando A. Ribeiro Serra & Carlos Duarte & Tânia Marques, 2010. "Competitividade Nacional, Conhecimento e Investimento estrangeiro," Working Papers 62, globADVANTAGE, Polytechnic Institute of Leiria.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    technology transfer; subsidiaries; competition and cooperation; international strategy;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • M1 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Business Administration

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