The recent announcement of BMW to collaborate with Toyota on, among others, the development of a fuel-cell vehicle system is yet another example of the importance of interfirm collaboration in innovation processes. Collaboration not only allows firms to access other firms’ resources, but also to learn. Often, interfirm linkages are complemented by more informal interpersonal linkages that increase the likelihood of knowledge exchange. On the other hand, if knowledge escapes unwanted, competitors may imitate and an innovator’s competitive advantage may diminish.

The goal of this thesis is to systematically review the literature on knowledge flows between firms and to evaluate the approaches used in the innovation literature to measure knowledge flows. Preferably the analysis comprises evidence from both quantitative and qualitative studies.

Review the literature on knowledge flows among firms and cover the following aspects:

·         Operationalization of knowledge flows

·         Antecedents and results of knowledge flows

·         Potential moderators or mediators of knowledge flows

Literature to get you started (in alphabetical order):

·         Corredoira, R.A. & Rosenkopf, L. (2010). Should auld acquaintance be forgot? The reverse transfer of knowledge through mobility ties. Strategic Management Journal, 31, 159-181.

·         Jaffe, A.B., Trajtenberg, M., & Henderson, R. (1993). Geographic localization of knowledge spillovers as evidenced by patent citations. The Quarterly Journal of Economics, 108 (3), 577-598.

·         Jaffe, A.B., Trajtenberg, M., & Fogarty, M.S. (2000). The meaning of patent citations: Report on the NBER/Case Western Reserve Survey of Patentees. NBER Working Paper 7631.

·         Yang, H., Phelps, C., & Steensma, H.K. (2010). Learning from what others have learned from you: The effects of knowledge spillovers on originating firms. Academy of Management Journal, 53 (2), 371-389.

In case of interest please contact Katharina Kagerer (Kagerer@wi.tum.de). For more information on our general requirements, the application procedure, and the style guidelines please go to Final Thesis.