Abstract Attention to processes has increased, as thousands of organizations have adopted process‐focused programs such TQM and ISO 9000. Proponents stress the promise improved efficiency profitability. But research not consistently borne out these prospects. Moreover, expectation universal benefits is consistent with highlighting important role firm‐specific capabilities in sustaining competitive advantage. In this paper, we use longitudinal panel data on 9000 practices for firms auto...

The practice of having Ph.D. graduates employed by the university that trained them, commonly called “academic inbreeding,” has long been suspected to be damaging scholarly practices and achievement. Despite this perception, existing work on academic inbreeding is scarce mostly exploratory. Using data from Mexico, we find evidence that, first, associated with lower output. Second, academically inbred faculty relatively more centered its own institution less open rest scientific world. This...

This paper analyzes science productivity for nine developing countries. Results show that these nations are reducing their gap, with R&D investments and scientific impact growing at more than double the rate of developed world. But this "catching up" hides a very uneven picture among nations, especially on what they able to generate in terms output relative levels investment available resources. Moreover, unlike one might expect, it is clear size scale not key drivers efficiency.

We analyze how transaction cost economics and competence arguments determine vertical organization boundaries when firms react to innovation. Existing perspectives empirical evidence have been ambiguous because of conflicting tensions between the two frameworks simplistic views Using Henderson Clark's (1990) innovation categories a careful review both theories, we show that it is possible reach consistent set predictions on integration reconcile apparently results.

Data on inventors and assignees of patents are used to analyze the mobility semiconductor inventors. Exploiting data origins producers with larger sales, we argue that higher in Silicon Valley is great part due entry spinoffs there. Our empirical evidence suggests spinoff promoted even before industry was clustered Agglomeration economies ban noncompete covenants may influence entry, but promote absence those conditions. Because most greater inventor corresponds moving from incumbents recent...

Abstract Many US firms are improving their individual competitiveness by offshoring manufacturing operations, services and, increasingly, knowledge work. Although research to date has maintained that these practices beneficial the firm and national economies, reducing costs expanding markets, little is known about longer term effect of on rate innovation home economies. This paper suggests have adverse effects at base. The analysis uses patents in rare‐earth element industry, a high‐tech...

This paper analyzes how uncertainty and life‐cycle effects condition the knowledge boundary between assemblers suppliers in interfirm product development. Patents associated with automotive emission control technologies for both are categorized as architectural or component innovations, technology‐forcing regulations imposed by government on auto industry from 1970 to 1998 used define periods of high low uncertainty. Results confirm that dominate innovation whereas lead innovation. More...

This empirical study demonstrates that teaching and research can be leveraged synergistically contribute to outputs. In particular, it is critical consider the nature of learning environment associated with effort. First, by distinguishing between graduate undergraduate education, authors conclude involvement in play a significant role driving output. Moreover, both students provide valuable contribution productivity faculty members if integrated activities where are combined within perspective.

The objective of this paper is to provide an overview the major trends taking place in the automotive industry across world, with emphasis on Asian market. It is not a comprehensive report, but rather informed view issues and panorama of behavior players, both automakers suppliers. In final section, paper presents some suggestions how measure firm competitiveness in fast moving industry, focusing suppliers, particularly smaller ones that make up most local autoparts Asia.

In this article we investigate the long term impact of value chain offshoring on global spatial distribution innovation activities. The study relies a sample 14,806 rare earth technology patents from 1976 to 2002 and associated location over 36,000 inventors. We employ interpoint distance between inventors examine changing pattern in catalyst magnet technologies, two major applications. find that activities expand globally, while become more clustered. suggest heterogeneous response is...