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Star inventors, knowledge complexity and collaborative ties: what drives deference in invention teams?

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  • Metin Onal Vural
  • Simon J.D. Schillebeeckx

Abstract

This paper provides an empirical investigation of factors that drive deference in an invention team setting. Drawing on innovation literature, we hypothesise and test the distinct factors that determine the extent of deference an inventor receives in an invention team. Using patent data from U.S. semiconductor industry, we show that star inventors command deference among their peers and that this effect is moderated by stars’ embeddedness in knowledge, social and geographical context. Deference is amplified when stars have complex knowledge, but not necessarily when they have strong ties. When the stars are geographically distant from their peers, the amount of deference that they receive is lower. We also show that seniority and stardom can acts substitutes rather than compliments when it comes to deference. We discuss the implications of our study for the design and management of invention teams.

Suggested Citation

  • Metin Onal Vural & Simon J.D. Schillebeeckx, 2025. "Star inventors, knowledge complexity and collaborative ties: what drives deference in invention teams?," Industry and Innovation, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 32(8), pages 915-945, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:indinn:v:32:y:2025:i:8:p:915-945
    DOI: 10.1080/13662716.2025.2451400
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