Digitalization of cross-border R&D alliances : Configurational insights and cognitive digitalization biases

Title data

Bouncken, Ricarda B. ; Fredrich, Viktor ; Sinkovics, Noemi ; Sinkovics, Rudolf R.:
Digitalization of cross-border R&D alliances : Configurational insights and cognitive digitalization biases.
In: Global Strategy Journal. Vol. 13 (2023) Issue 2 . - pp. 281-314.
ISSN 2042-5805
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/gsj.1469

Official URL:

Abstract in another language

Abstract Research Summary Firms implement digital technology for improving coordination and communication in cross-border R&D alliances. However, there is great ambivalence regarding how digitalization influences cross-border knowledge transfers. Our analysis clarifies some of this ambivalence by providing different configurations of absorptive capacity in cross-border R&D alliances. The fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) reveals only low absorptive capacity achievement in most configurations of digital technology implementation. The findings indicate effects of cognitive digitalization biases, under which firms take the benefits of digital technology for granted while ignoring deep-level challenges rooted in the contextuality of international ties. However, high absorptive capacity is achievable when (1) allying with bigger and younger partners, (2) under technological similarity, and (3) coping with the associated digitalization biases. Managerial Summary Firms are eager to grasp the potential of digital technology. Within R&D alliances, digital technology is deemed to facilitate better coordination and communication. However, advantages from digital transformation are not always realized, as firms may overestimate the ease and usability of the underpinning technologies. We find that learning and understanding of partner knowledge is improved when R&D partnerships are forged between bigger and smaller partners, when partners feature technological similarities and both parties are similarly minded regarding technologies and do not take technology advantages for granted.

Further data

Item Type:	Article in a journal
Refereed:	Yes
Keywords:	cross-border R&D alliance; cultural distance; technological distance; digital technology; global connectivity
Institutions of the University:	Faculties > Faculty of Law, Business and Economics > Department of Business Administration > Chair Business Administration VI - Strategic Management and Organization > Chair Business Administration VI - Strategic Management and Organization - Univ.-Prof. Dr. Ricarda Bouncken Faculties Faculties > Faculty of Law, Business and Economics Faculties > Faculty of Law, Business and Economics > Department of Business Administration Faculties > Faculty of Law, Business and Economics > Department of Business Administration > Chair Business Administration VI - Strategic Management and Organization
Result of work at the UBT:	Yes
DDC Subjects:	300 Social sciences > 330 Economics
Date Deposited:	15 Jul 2023 21:19
Last Modified:	17 Jul 2023 09:33
URI:	https://eref.uni-bayreuth.de/id/eprint/86116