Global gatekeeping, representation, and network structure: a longitudinal analysis of regional and global knowledge-diff
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Global gatekeeping, representation, and network structure: a longitudinal analysis of regional and global knowledge-diffusion networks JW Spencer Department of International Business, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA Correspondence: Dr Jennifier W Spencer, Department of International Business, 2023 G-Street NW (Lisner Hall) #230, George Washington University, Washington, DC 20052, USA. Tel: þ 1 202/994 9858; Fax: þ 1 202/994 7422; E-mail: [email protected]
Abstract This paper argues that structural characteristics of knowledge-diffusion networks, such as density levels, centralization levels, and the presence of global knowledge brokers, contribute to the emergence of dominant designs and the competitiveness of countries’ firms and industries. It further suggests that national institutional structures and firm-specific attributes influence the development of these knowledge-diffusion networks. Six propositions, developed from examination of one industry’s networks and previous scholarly literature, specify these arguments. Journal of International Business Studies (2003) 34, 428–442. doi:10.1057/ palgrave.jibs.8400039 Keywords: network analysis; innovation systems; knowledge diffusion
Received: 26 September 2000 Revised: 30 January 2003 Accepted: 7 February 2003 Online publication date: 29 May 2003
Introduction New scientific knowledge is rarely appropriated entirely by a single innovator, but instead diffuses to other organizations through formal and informal knowledge-diffusion networks (Jaffe et al., 1993; Almeida and Kogut, 1999). Although these networks act as potentially important sources of competitive advantage for firms, and pose both opportunities and threats for government policy makers, we know remarkably little about them. What patterns of interaction emerge in national, regional, and global knowledgediffusion networks? Do national or regional differences arise in these networks, and can these different patterns of knowledge diffusion contribute to the competitiveness of particular firms, countries or regions? This exploratory paper tracks changes in the structure of one global network through 20 years and uses these observations to develop propositions concerning patterns of knowledge diffusion in emerging high-technology industries. Studies of firms’ efforts to exploit external knowledge have emphasized firms’ embeddedness within socially constructed networks (Granovetter, 1985), and have articulated how firms can leverage these networks for their best advantage. However, research has devoted less attention to the development of these technological networks themselves. In particular, some recent contributions (Chesbrough, 1999; Murmann and Homberg, 2001) have provided
Global gatekeeping, representation, and network structure
JW Spencer
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evidence that patterns of industry evolution vary considerably when viewed at global vs national levels. Such differences in knowledge-diffusion networks may wel
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