IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/a/eee/ecmode/v141y2024ics0264999324002402.html
   My bibliography  Save this article

Knowledge transfer from reverse innovation in global value chains: A signaling theory perspective

Author

Listed:
  • Wang, Na
  • Wang, Yonggui

Abstract

Reverse innovation, originating in developing countries, is critical to global value chains (GVCs) of multinational corporations (MNCs). However, the impact of knowledge transfer from reverse innovation (KTRI) on MNC returns in the GVCs receives scant attention. Using survey data from 121 subsidiaries in China and applying signaling theory, we examine how knowledge transfer through reverse innovation creates value for the MNCs while inducing perceived adaptation risk, which in turn affects parent company's benefits. We find that KTRI has a positive effect on the perceived value and perceived adaptation risk of reverse innovation. Perceived value increases the benefits to the parent company, while perceived adaptation risk has no significant effect on these benefits. Our study also finds parent company involvement and subsidiary heterogeneity moderate knowledge transfer mechanisms.

Suggested Citation

  • Wang, Na & Wang, Yonggui, 2024. "Knowledge transfer from reverse innovation in global value chains: A signaling theory perspective," Economic Modelling, Elsevier, vol. 141(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ecmode:v:141:y:2024:i:c:s0264999324002402
    DOI: 10.1016/j.econmod.2024.106883
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0264999324002402
    Download Restriction: Full text for ScienceDirect subscribers only
    File URL: https://libkey.io/10.1016/j.econmod.2024.106883?utm_source=ideas
    LibKey link: if access is restricted and if your library uses this service, LibKey will redirect you to where you can use your library subscription to access this item
    ---><---

    As the access to this document is restricted, you may want to search for a different version of it.

    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Rafael A. Corredoira & Lori Rosenkopf, 2010. "Should auld acquaintance be forgot? the reverse transfer of knowledge through mobility ties," Strategic Management Journal, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 31(2), pages 159-181, February.
    2. Huang, Hua & Tao, Yunqing & Wang, Xueping & Feng, Chen & Ye, Yongwei, 2023. "Do board reforms in parent firms boost subsidiaries’ innovation?," Economic Modelling, Elsevier, vol. 125(C).
    3. Will Drover & Matthew S. Wood & Andrew C. Corbett, 2018. "Toward a Cognitive View of Signalling Theory: Individual Attention and Signal Set Interpretation," Journal of Management Studies, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 55(2), pages 209-231, March.
    4. L. Felipe Monteiro & Niklas Arvidsson & Julian Birkinshaw, 2008. "Knowledge Flows Within Multinational Corporations: Explaining Subsidiary Isolation and Its Performance Implications," Organization Science, INFORMS, vol. 19(1), pages 90-107, February.
    5. Stephanie C Schleimer & Torben Pedersen, 2014. "The effects of MNC parent effort and social structure on subsidiary absorptive capacity," Journal of International Business Studies, Palgrave Macmillan;Academy of International Business, vol. 45(3), pages 303-320, April.
    6. Buciuni, Giulio & Pisano, Gary, 2021. "Variety of Innovation in Global Value Chains," Journal of World Business, Elsevier, vol. 56(2).
    7. Michael Spence, 2002. "Signaling in Retrospect and the Informational Structure of Markets," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 92(3), pages 434-459, June.
    8. Jeffrey M Wooldridge, 2010. "Econometric Analysis of Cross Section and Panel Data," MIT Press Books, The MIT Press, edition 2, volume 1, number 0262232588, December.
    9. Ambos, Tina C. & Ambos, Björn & Schlegelmilch, Bodo B., 2006. "Learning from foreign subsidiaries: An empirical investigation of headquarters' benefits from reverse knowledge transfers," International Business Review, Elsevier, vol. 15(3), pages 294-312, June.
    10. Zhu, Fengxia & Zou, Shaoming & Xu, Hui, 2017. "Launching reverse-innovated product from emerging markets to MNC’s home market: A theoretical framework for MNC’s decisions," International Business Review, Elsevier, vol. 26(1), pages 156-163.
    11. Gary Gereffi & Hyun-Chin Lim & Joonkoo Lee, 2021. "Trade policies, firm strategies, and adaptive reconfigurations of global value chains," Journal of International Business Policy, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 4(4), pages 506-522, December.
    12. Islam, Mohammad Tarikul & Chadee, Doren, 2023. "Stuck at the bottom: Role of tacit and explicit knowledge on innovation of developing-country suppliers in global value chains," International Business Review, Elsevier, vol. 32(2).
    13. Stock, James H & Wright, Jonathan H & Yogo, Motohiro, 2002. "A Survey of Weak Instruments and Weak Identification in Generalized Method of Moments," Journal of Business & Economic Statistics, American Statistical Association, vol. 20(4), pages 518-529, October.
    14. Leanne Chung, 2014. "Headquarters’ Managerial Intentionality and Reverse Transfer of Practices," Management International Review, Springer, vol. 54(2), pages 225-252, April.
    15. Borini, Felipe Mendes & de Miranda Oliveira, Moacir & Silveira, Franciane Freitas & de Oliveira Concer, Ronald, 2012. "The reverse transfer of innovation of foreign subsidiaries of Brazilian multinationals," European Management Journal, Elsevier, vol. 30(3), pages 219-231.
    16. Wang, Na & Hua, Ying & Wu, Guoying & Zhao, Chunxia & Wang, Yonggui, 2019. "Reverse transfer of innovation and subsidiary power: A moderated mediation model," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 103(C), pages 328-337.
    17. Huang, Wenli & Qian, Yanhong & Xu, Nanyan, 2020. "The signaling effects of education in the online lending market: Evidence from China," Economic Modelling, Elsevier, vol. 92(C), pages 268-276.
    18. Mark Easterby‐Smith & Marjorie A. Lyles & Eric W. K. Tsang, 2008. "Inter‐Organizational Knowledge Transfer: Current Themes and Future Prospects," Journal of Management Studies, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 45(4), pages 677-690, June.
    19. Robert M. Grant, 1996. "Prospering in Dynamically-Competitive Environments: Organizational Capability as Knowledge Integration," Organization Science, INFORMS, vol. 7(4), pages 375-387, August.
    20. Ambos, Björn & Brandl, Kristin & Perri, Alessandra & Scalera, Vittoria G. & Van Assche, Ari, 2021. "The nature of innovation in global value chains," Journal of World Business, Elsevier, vol. 56(4).
    21. Jun Xia & David D. Dawley & Han Jiang & Rong Ma & Kimberly B. Boal, 2016. "Resolving a dilemma of signaling bankrupt-firm emergence: A dynamic integrative view," Strategic Management Journal, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 37(8), pages 1754-1764, August.
    22. Wesley Friske & Seth A. Hoelscher & Atanas Nik Nikolov, 2023. "The impact of voluntary sustainability reporting on firm value: Insights from signaling theory," Journal of the Academy of Marketing Science, Springer, vol. 51(2), pages 372-392, March.
    23. Verdiana Giannetti & Gaia Rubera, 2020. "Innovation for and from emerging countries: a closer look at the antecedents of trickle-down and reverse innovation," Journal of the Academy of Marketing Science, Springer, vol. 48(5), pages 987-1008, September.
    24. Sande, Jon Bingen & Ghosh, Mrinal, 2018. "Endogeneity in survey research," International Journal of Research in Marketing, Elsevier, vol. 35(2), pages 185-204.
    25. Rabbiosi, Larissa & Santangelo, Grazia D., 2013. "Parent company benefits from reverse knowledge transfer: The role of the liability of newness in MNEs," Journal of World Business, Elsevier, vol. 48(1), pages 160-170.
    26. Stock, Ruth & Six, Björn & Zacharias, Nicolas, 2013. "Linking Multiple Layers of Innovation-oriented Corporate Culture, Product Program Innovativeness, and Business Performance: A Contingency Approach," Publications of Darmstadt Technical University, Institute for Business Studies (BWL) 61665, Darmstadt Technical University, Department of Business Administration, Economics and Law, Institute for Business Studies (BWL).
    27. Ram Mudambi & Pietro Navarra, 2004. "Is knowledge power? Knowledge flows, subsidiary power and rent-seeking within MNCs," Journal of International Business Studies, Palgrave Macmillan;Academy of International Business, vol. 35(5), pages 385-406, September.
    28. Zhaleh Najafi-Tavani & Axèle Giroud & Rudolf R. Sinkovics, 2012. "Mediating Effects in Reverse Knowledge Transfer Processes," Management International Review, Springer, vol. 52(3), pages 461-488, June.
    29. Xu, Jing & Hu, Weiwei, 2024. "How do external resources influence a firm's green innovation? A study based on absorptive capacity," Economic Modelling, Elsevier, vol. 133(C).
    30. Jeffrey S. Conant & Michael P. Mokwa & P. Rajan Varadarajan, 1990. "Strategic types, distinctive marketing competencies and organizational performance: A multiple measures‐based study," Strategic Management Journal, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 11(5), pages 365-383, September.
    31. Dellestrand, Henrik & Kappen, Philip, 2011. "Headquarters Allocation of Resources to Innovation Transfer Projects within the Multinational Enterprise," Journal of International Management, Elsevier, vol. 17(4), pages 263-277.
    32. André O Laplume & Bent Petersen & Joshua M Pearce, 2016. "Global value chains from a 3D printing perspective," Journal of International Business Studies, Palgrave Macmillan;Academy of International Business, vol. 47(5), pages 595-609, June.
    33. Stock, Ruth & Six, Björn & Zacharias, Nicolas, 2013. "Linking Multiple Layers of Innovation-oriented Corporate Culture, Product Program Innovativeness, and Business Performance: A Contingency Approach," Publications of Darmstadt Technical University, Institute for Business Studies (BWL) 63409, Darmstadt Technical University, Department of Business Administration, Economics and Law, Institute for Business Studies (BWL).
    34. John Shea, 1997. "Instrument Relevance in Multivariate Linear Models: A Simple Measure," The Review of Economics and Statistics, MIT Press, vol. 79(2), pages 348-352, May.
    35. Getachew, Yamlaksira S. & Beamish, Paul W., 2021. "Unbundling the effects of host-country institutions on foreign subsidiary survival: A case for subsidiary heterogeneity," Journal of World Business, Elsevier, vol. 56(4).
    36. repec:ucp:bkecon:9780226316529 is not listed on IDEAS
    37. Torres de Oliveira, Rui & Nguyen, Tam & Liesch, Peter & Verreynne, Martie-Louise & Indulska, Marta, 2021. "Exporting to escape and learn: Vietnamese manufacturers in global value chains," Journal of World Business, Elsevier, vol. 56(4).
    38. Driffield, Nigel & Du, Jun & Song, Meng, 2021. "Internationalization pathways of Chinese private firms: A closer look at firm-specific advantages," Journal of International Management, Elsevier, vol. 27(3).
    39. Michael Spence, 1973. "Job Market Signaling," The Quarterly Journal of Economics, President and Fellows of Harvard College, vol. 87(3), pages 355-374.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Most related items

    These are the items that most often cite the same works as this one and are cited by the same works as this one.
    1. Fu, Xiaolan & Sun, Zhongjuan & Ghauri, Pervez N., 2018. "Reverse knowledge acquisition in emerging market MNEs: The experiences of Huawei and ZTE," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 93(C), pages 202-215.
    2. Wang, Na & Hua, Ying & Wu, Guoying & Zhao, Chunxia & Wang, Yonggui, 2019. "Reverse transfer of innovation and subsidiary power: A moderated mediation model," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 103(C), pages 328-337.
    3. Najafi-Tavani, Zhaleh & Robson, Matthew J. & Zaefarian, Ghasem & Andersson, Ulf & Yu, Chong, 2018. "Building subsidiary local responsiveness: (When) does the directionality of intrafirm knowledge transfers matter?," Journal of World Business, Elsevier, vol. 53(4), pages 475-492.
    4. Su, Cong & Kong, Lingshuang & Ciabuschi, Francesco & Holm, Ulf, 2020. "Demand and willingness for knowledge transfer in springboard subsidiaries of Chinese multinationals," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 109(C), pages 297-309.
    5. Liu, Yipeng & Meyer, Klaus E., 2020. "Boundary spanners, HRM practices, and reverse knowledge transfer: The case of Chinese cross-border acquisitions," Journal of World Business, Elsevier, vol. 55(2).
    6. Klaus E. Meyer & Chengguang Li & Andreas P. J. Schotter, 0. "Managing the MNE subsidiary: Advancing a multi-level and dynamic research agenda," Journal of International Business Studies, Palgrave Macmillan;Academy of International Business, vol. 0, pages 1-39.
    7. Demeter, Krisztina & Szász, Levente & Rácz, Béla-Gergely, 2016. "The impact of subsidiaries’ internal and external integration on operational performance," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 182(C), pages 73-85.
    8. Fortwengel, Johann & Gutierrez Huerter O, Gabriela & Kostova, Tatiana, 2023. "Three decades of research on practice transfer in multinational firms: Past contributions and future opportunities," Journal of World Business, Elsevier, vol. 58(3).
    9. Peltokorpi, Vesa & Yamao, Sachiko, 2017. "Corporate language proficiency in reverse knowledge transfer: A moderated mediation model of shared vision and communication frequency," Journal of World Business, Elsevier, vol. 52(3), pages 404-416.
    10. Michailova, Snejina & Mustaffa, Zaidah, 2012. "Subsidiary knowledge flows in multinational corporations: Research accomplishments, gaps, and opportunities," Journal of World Business, Elsevier, vol. 47(3), pages 383-396.
    11. Kong, Lingshuang & Ciabuschi, Francesco & Martín Martín, Oscar, 2018. "Expatriate managers' relationships and reverse knowledge transfer within emerging market MNCs: The mediating role of subsidiary willingness," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 93(C), pages 216-229.
    12. Nair, Smitha R. & Demirbag, Mehmet & Mellahi, Kamel, 2016. "Reverse knowledge transfer in emerging market multinationals: The Indian context," International Business Review, Elsevier, vol. 25(1), pages 152-164.
    13. McGuinness, Martina & Demirbag, Mehmet & Bandara, Sasanka, 2013. "Towards a multi-perspective model of reverse knowledge transfer in multinational enterprises: A case study of Coats plc," European Management Journal, Elsevier, vol. 31(2), pages 179-195.
    14. Yuzhe Miao & Yuping Zeng & Jeoung Yul Lee, 2016. "Headquarters Resource Allocation for Inter-Subsidiary Innovation Transfer: The Effect of Within-Country and Cross-Country Cultural Differences," Management International Review, Springer, vol. 56(5), pages 665-698, October.
    15. Alexander Mohr & Niron Hashai & Jonas Puck & Palitha Konara & Hubertus Reinprecht, 2024. "Remaking the Multinational Corporation: Geographically Dispersed Unbundling and Intangible Assets," Management International Review, Springer, vol. 64(6), pages 991-1020, December.
    16. Klaus E. Meyer & Chengguang Li & Andreas P. J. Schotter, 2020. "Managing the MNE subsidiary: Advancing a multi-level and dynamic research agenda," Journal of International Business Studies, Palgrave Macmillan;Academy of International Business, vol. 51(4), pages 538-576, June.
    17. Lee, Jeoung Yul & Jiménez, Alfredo & Bhandari, Krishna Raj, 2020. "Subsidiary roles and dual knowledge flows between MNE subsidiaries and headquarters: The moderating effects of organizational governance types," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 108(C), pages 188-200.
    18. Gnekpe, Christian & Jimenez, Alfredo, 2023. "Smoke signal: When firms' patent strategy and local patent protection system affect equity stakes in cross-border acquisitions," Journal of International Management, Elsevier, vol. 29(6).
    19. Yang, Yong & Driffield, Nigel, 2022. "Leveraging the benefits of location decisions into performance: A global view from matched MNEs," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 139(C), pages 468-483.
    20. Junshuai Cheng & Qaisar Iqbal & Guangmeng Ji & Weichun Li, 2022. "A Sustainable and Comprehensive Framework for Knowledge Transfer in MNCs: An Empirical Examination Based on Country, Company and Individual Levels of Chinese MNCs," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(21), pages 1-17, October.

    More about this item

    Keywords

    Knowledge transfer; Reverse innovation; Global value chain; Perceived value; Perceived adaptation risk;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • F01 - International Economics - - General - - - Global Outlook
    • F23 - International Economics - - International Factor Movements and International Business - - - Multinational Firms; International Business
    • M16 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Business Administration - - - International Business Administration
    • O31 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Innovation and Invention: Processes and Incentives
    • O32 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Management of Technological Innovation and R&D
    • O33 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Technological Change: Choices and Consequences; Diffusion Processes

    Statistics

    Access and download statistics

    Corrections

    All material on this site has been provided by the respective publishers and authors. You can help correct errors and omissions. When requesting a correction, please mention this item's handle: RePEc:eee:ecmode:v:141:y:2024:i:c:s0264999324002402. See general information about how to correct material in RePEc.

    If you have authored this item and are not yet registered with RePEc, we encourage you to do it here. This allows to link your profile to this item. It also allows you to accept potential citations to this item that we are uncertain about.

    If CitEc recognized a bibliographic reference but did not link an item in RePEc to it, you can help with this form .

    If you know of missing items citing this one, you can help us creating those links by adding the relevant references in the same way as above, for each refering item. If you are a registered author of this item, you may also want to check the "citations" tab in your RePEc Author Service profile, as there may be some citations waiting for confirmation.

    For technical questions regarding this item, or to correct its authors, title, abstract, bibliographic or download information, contact: Catherine Liu (email available below). General contact details of provider: http://www.elsevier.com/locate/inca/30411 .

    Please note that corrections may take a couple of weeks to filter through the various RePEc services.

    IDEAS is a RePEc service. RePEc uses bibliographic data supplied by the respective publishers.