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The Processes of New Product Development Recentralization towards a Transnational Emphasis in Multinational Corporations

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  • Liu, Yang

Abstract

Studies on R&D internationalization have identified the decentralization-recentralization pattern of many multinational corporations (MNCs). Studies have also indicated that MNCs tend to pursue a transnational emphasis during R&D recentralization. This research focuses on recentralization of new product development (NPD) in MNCs and aims to reveal different processes of it towards a transnational emphasis. Through a qualitative case study of four MNCs, the NPD recentralization process was explored in two important dimensions – power centralization and pluralistic input. Four process variants were discovered, showing different approaches to power centralization and pluralistic input. The processes of recentralization are novel to the area of R&D internationalization. This study also advances our understanding of R&D recentralization with a focus on NPD fulfilling market demand, which has not been well addressed in prior studies. In addition, this study generates some insights into transnational management.

Suggested Citation

  • Liu, Yang, 2019. "The Processes of New Product Development Recentralization towards a Transnational Emphasis in Multinational Corporations," Journal of International Management, Elsevier, vol. 25(1), pages 19-36.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:intman:v:25:y:2019:i:1:p:19-36
    DOI: 10.1016/j.intman.2018.05.003
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