Interorganizational Collaboration and the Locus of Innovation: Networks of Learning in Biotechnology

Walter W. Powell; Kenneth W. Koput; Laurel Smith‐Doerr

doi:10.2307/2393988

March 1, 1996Administrative Science Quarterly

Interorganizational Collaboration and the Locus of Innovation: Networks of Learning in Biotechnology

View at Publisher

Ask AI

Bookmark

Share

Key Points

To examine whether organizational innovation in rapidly advancing, knowledge-intensive fields is driven by interorganizational collaboration and structural networks of learning rather than isolated firm capabilities.
Conducted a longitudinal network analysis tracking formal interorganizational collaborative ties among dedicated biotechnology firms over multiple years.
Evaluated network properties, firm centrality, and diverse institutional partnerships (including ties with universities, government bodies, and large pharmaceutical corporations).
Demonstrated that central connectivity within learning networks directly predicted organizational growth and expanded technological capabilities.
Showed that when knowledge bases are complex, broadly dispersed, and rapidly expanding, the primary locus of innovation shifts from individual organizations to networks of collaborative learning.

Ask about this paper

Answers are grounded in this paper and cite their sources.

Implication

Longitudinal network analysis reveals that collaborative ties enhance growth and learning in dedicated biotechnology firms, indicating innovation resides within organizational networks.

Abstract

Walter W. Powell, Kenneth W. Koput, Laurel Smith-Doerr, Interorganizational Collaboration and the Locus of Innovation: Networks of Learning in Biotechnology, Administrative Science Quarterly, Vol. 41, No. 1 (Mar., 1996), pp. 116-145

Discussion

No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.

Cite This Study

Powell et al. (1996) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/69d7265c50162c4f3d5637a7 https://doi.org/10.2307/2393988

View at Publisher

Ask AI

Bookmark

Share

Interorganizational Collaboration and the Locus of Innovation: Networks of Learning in Biotechnology

Key Points

Ask about this paper

Implication

Abstract

Discussion

Cite This Study

Interorganizational Collaboration and the Locus of Innovation: Networks of Learning in Biotechnology

Key Points

Ask about this paper

Implication

Abstract

Discussion

Cite This Study

Keep reading

Keep reading