The sourcing for collaborative knowledge translation in distributed R&D processes: a cross-regional study

Abstract

Purpose

We explore the impact of a specific knowledge management framework on the quality of innovation, the geographic distribution of R&D and the cross-regional integration. We use directly observed indicators of cross-regional knowledge application within the firm as well as examine collaborative mechanisms that firms may use to promote such knowledge translation.

Design/methodology/approach

Our analysis is based upon successful patents in biotechnology sector applied for during 2011–2014. The empirical assessment follows a mixed method approach. The sample used for testing the empirical hypotheses is composed of 130,720 patents from 860 large US firms. The sample of patents was obtained from USPTO and NBER dataset.

Findings

The idea of this paper was to introduce a model specifically developed for the process of knowledge translation. This research contributes to the literature related to the emergent and new issue namely collaborative knowledge translation (CKT), especially emphasizing the key role of the knowledge translation practices and tools for the internationalization of R&D teams and supporting the quality of innovations in different ways.

Originality/value

This research is conceptually based on the broader concepts of spiral of knowledge of Nonaka and Takeuchi. In spite of the increasing research in innovation, few studies have been done about the diverse contexts' role in the knowledge flows supporting the innovation development. In the attempt to cover this gap, the objective of this research is to answer the following main research question: How to support and manage the process of knowledge translation in innovation processes occurring in collaborative teams?

Citation

Serino, L., Papa, A., Campanella, F. and Di Gioia, L. (2020), "The sourcing for collaborative knowledge translation in distributed R&D processes: a cross-regional study", Management Decision, Vol. 58 No. 9, pp. 2027-2048. https://doi.org/10.1108/MD-11-2019-1621