Pipes, pools, and filters: How collaboration networks affect innovative performance

Keywords

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

Abstract

Research summary: 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 contacts 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

2015-07-16

Permanent URL

http://hdl.lib.byu.edu/1877/5864

Publisher

Strategic Management Journal

Language

English

College

Marriott School of Management

Department

Management

University Standing at Time of Publication

Associate Professor

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