International technology strategies: The role of innovation uncertainty

Abstract

The present study investigates the relationship between technology strategy and competitive strategy in an international context. Adding an international dimension to the technology strategy construct suggests the study of variations in the locational distribution of R&D activities, that is, “where” R&D activities are performed. Observing that different international technology strategies may be used to pursue a particular generic competitive strategy, an attempt is made to explain the differential location of R&D activities in terms of the characteristics of the technology development process. Specifically, four propositions are developed relating the type of innovation uncertainty to variations in the locational distribution of R&D activities. Innovation uncertainty is reduced via the information processing activities of individuals. Following this observation, it is investigated which human resource and organizational structural arrangements contribute to a maximum reduction of innovation uncertainty. Such arrangements are found to differ between the various stages of the innovation process. Selected factors mediating the information processing perspective are introduced.

Citation

Caeldries, F. and Moenaert, R.K. (1994), "International technology strategies: The role of innovation uncertainty", Research in Global Strategic Management (Research in Global Strategic Management, Vol. 4), Emerald Group Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 155-179. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1064-4857(93)04010-9