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Knowledge-flows and firm performance

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  • Erden, Zeynep
  • Klang, David
  • Sydler, Renato
  • von Krogh, Georg

Abstract

This study advances the understanding of how knowledge-flows impact on firm performance. Incorporating recent research on the knowledge-based view of the firm, this paper tests and extends the knowledge flow model by using more fine-grained measures and by proposing a nonlinear effect. This study tests the predicted effects in a longitudinal research design with data on a global sample of public biopharmaceutical firms. The results largely support the expectation that knowledge-flows largely have a nonlinear impact on firm performance. However, one traditional measure of knowledge-flows, geographical location, turns out to have no significant influence in the extended model. The paper explains the implications of these findings for practice and research.

Suggested Citation

  • Erden, Zeynep & Klang, David & Sydler, Renato & von Krogh, Georg, 2014. "Knowledge-flows and firm performance," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 67(1), pages 2777-2785.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jbrese:v:67:y:2014:i:1:p:2777-2785
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jbusres.2012.09.001
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