Abstract
The paper identifies the evolving nature of headquarters-subsidiary relations during the whole process of R&D internationalization. In-depth data on five Japanese multinationals revealed that the role of overseas laboratories actually evolved over time, from the 'starter' to the 'innovator' and then to the 'contributor'. Such a shift in role of overseas laboratories affected the nature of headquarters-subsidiary relationship accordingly. 'Semi-connected freedom' was identified as an optimal condition for the overseas laboratories to reconcile the two competing pressures: need for local autonomy and need for internal information connectivity. Various managerial steps were suggested for the laboratories to reach that state: increase in process linkage, active broker's role, short-term socialization, and project-level socialization. Some practical and theoretical implications were drawn from this research, and future research direction was suggested.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 1-14 |
Number of pages | 14 |
Journal | R and D Management |
Volume | 31 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2001 Jan |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Business and International Management
- Business, Management and Accounting(all)
- Strategy and Management
- Management of Technology and Innovation