Organization and Strategy Seminar（2016-05）

Topic：Learning Through Observation or Through Acquisition? Innovation Performance as an Outcome of Internal and External Knowledge Combination

Speaker: Jun Xia,University ofTexas at Dallas

Time: Wednesday, 29 June, 09:00-10:30 am

Location: Room 110, Guanghua Building 2

Abstract:

Although the importance of external and internal knowledge combination for innovation is well recognized, the effectiveness of different combination patterns remains for further investigation. We consider spillovers of foreign direct investment (FDI) and external research and development (R&D) as two sources of external knowledge and argue that their effectiveness varies conditional upon different levels of internal knowledge development (internal R&D). We argue that learning through observation and learning through acquisition are important mechanisms making such difference. Using a sample of manufacturing firms in China from 2002 to 2007, we find that rhythmic FDI spillover and external R&D positively affect innovation performance. However, the effect of rhythmic FDI spillover is stronger, whereas the effect of external R&D is weaker for firms with a moderate level of internal R&D than firms with a low or high level of internal R&D.

Introduction:

Jun Xia is an Associate Professor of Strategy at the University of Texas at Dallas. His research centers on four primary areas: (1) organization theories (resource dependence theory and institutional theory), (2) social networks (network embeddedness), (3) corporate strategies (mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, alliances, and divestitures), and (4) international business (foreign market expansion, state ownership, and institutional changes in transition/emerging countries). Jun Xia has published in academic journals such as Strategic Management Journal, Journal of Management, and Organizational Research Methods.

//jindal.utdallas.edu/faculty/jun-xia

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