Globalization and Technology Interdependence, Innovation Systems and Industrial Policy

by Narula, Rajneesh

• ISBN13: 9780745624563
• ISBN10: 0745624561
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2003-09-11
• Publisher: Polity

Summary

In this book Rajneesh Narula examines the interdependence of globalization and technological innovation at two levels: first, between locations, by examining the role of cross-border initiatives in the innovation process; second, between corporate entities, by studying the dynamics of inter-firm R&D collaboration. Examines the international aspect of the interdependence of globalization and technology. Explores the role of cross-border interdependence in the innovation process, as well as interdependence between firms. Reveals an interesting paradox: locations and firms are increasingly interdependent through supranational organisations and the flow of investments, technologies, ideas, and people; but knowledge creation suffers from 'inertia' and remains concentrated in a few locations. Draws on a wide variety of data at the firm and national level in the sphere of R&D and technological innovation. Spells out important lessons for both policy makers and managers on industrial policy as well as the organisation of research and development by firms.

Author Biography

Rajneesh Narula is Professor at the Department of International Economics and Management at the Copenhagen Business School and TIK Centre, University of Oslo.

Table of Contents

List of Figures	viii
List of Tables	x
List of Boxes	xii
Abbreviations	xiii
Acknowledgements	xv
Introduction	1	(12)
1 Technology and Globalization as Concatenated Processes: A Brief Commentary on the Causes of Globalization	13	(38)
1.1 Introduction	13	(1)
1.2 Mapping globalization	14	(4)
1.3 Financial liberalization	18	(2)
1.4 Multinational enterprises	20	(6)
1.5 The globalization of innovation by MNEs	26	(3)
1.6 Liberalization of economic systems	29	(4)
1.7 Regional and economic integration	33	(2)
1.8 The role of new technologies in globalization	35	(3)
1.9 The knowledge-intensive, multi-technology firm	38	(2)
1.10 Political economy: shifting hegemonies and discontinuities	40	(2)
1.11 Standardization and homogeneity across borders	42	(3)
1.12 The dynamics of international interdependence: countries and firms	45	(6)
2 Cross-border Interdependence between Locations: Learning, Growth and Systems of Innovation	51	(25)
2.1 Introduction	51	(4)
2.2 The basic concepts underlying systems of innovation	55	(4)
2.3 Understanding learning processes	59	(3)
2.4 Understanding the growing international dimension of learning	62	(6)
2.5 Limitations of learning	68	(5)
2.6 Conclusions	73	(3)
3 Innovation Systems and 'Inertia' in R&D Location: Norwegian Firms and the Role of Systemic Lock-in	76	(33)
3.1 Introduction	76	(1)
3.2 Systems of innovation and inertia in R&D	77	(7)
3.3 Responses to inertia from a firm perspective	84	(3)
3.4 The evidence: R&D activities of Norwegian firms	87	(10)
3.5 'Systemic' lock-in: dependence on the innovation system	97	(9)
3.6 Summary and policy implications	106	(3)
4 Cross-border Interdependence between Firms: The Growth of Strategic Technology Partnering	109	(24)
4.1 Introduction	109	(2)
4.2 The characteristics of ownership advantages and technology	111	(2)
4.3 Explaining strategic technology partnering: some definitions	113	(6)
4.4 The growth of alliance activity	119	(4)
4.5 The special case of strategic alliances to conduct R&D	123	(6)
4.6 Conclusions	129	(4)
5 In-house R&D, Outsourcing or Alliances? Some Strategic and Economic Considerations	133	(31)
5.1 Introduction	133	(1)
5.2 The growth of the multi-technology firm and non-internal R&D	134	(4)
5.3 Standardization, cost and industrial organization	138	(3)
5.4 Distributed competences and the choice between internal and non-internal activity: a static view	141	(5)
5.5 The dynamic view: the evolution of technological paradigms	146	(4)
5.6 Dynamic aspects of choosing between in-house R&D, alliances and outsourcing	150	(7)
5.7 Some conclusions, caveats and avenues for future research	157	(5)
Appendix A	162	(2)
6 Technological Catch-up and Strategic Technology Partnering in Developing Countries	164	(20)
6.1 Introduction	164	(2)
6.2 Strategic alliances and catching up	166	(6)
6.3 Organizational modes and developing-country STP	172	(3)
6.4 Differences in the industrial specialization of countries	175	(5)
6.5 Conclusions	180	(4)
7 Technology, Globalization and Policy Issues: Some Observations	184	(27)
7.1 The challenges of globalization and fuzziness	184	(5)
7.2 The role of governments in innovation	189	(4)
7.3 Government intervention and innovative activity	193	(3)
7.4 R&D cooperation and governments: direct vs. indirect intervention	196	(6)
7.5 On innovation systems and learning: some policy issues	202	(9)
Notes	211	(7)
References	218	(20)
Index	238