Keywords

networks, innovation, tacit knowledge, pipes, knowledge pool, knowledge filter

Abstract

Innovation requires inventors to have both "new knowledge" and the ability to combine and configure knowledge (i.e. "combinatory knowledge") and such knowledge may flow through networks. We argue that both combinatory knowledge and new knowledge are accessed through collaboration networks, but that inventors' abilities to access such knowledge depends on its location in the network. Combinatory knowledge transfers from direct contacts, but not easily from indirect contacts. In contrast, new knowledge transfers from both direct and indirect contacts, but is far more likely to be new and useful when it comes from indirect contacts. Exploring knowledge flows in 69,476 patents and 89,930 unique inventors reveals evidence that combinatory knowledge from direct contracts and new knowledge from indirect contacts significantly affects innovative performance.

Original Publication Citation

Singh, H., Kryscynski, D., Li, X. & Gopal, R. 2016. Pipes, Pools and Filters: How collaboration networks affect innovative performance. Strategic Management Journal. 37 (8): 1649-1666.

Document Type

Peer-Reviewed Article

Publication Date

2016

Permanent URL

http://hdl.lib.byu.edu/1877/3934

Publisher

Wiley

Language

English

College

Marriott School of Management

Department

Information Systems

Download

Share

COinS