Mechanisms of Informal Learning Behavior Emerging from Joint Research

― Empirical Study on Knowledge Acquisition in Different Fields in the Chemical Industry ―

Abstract

This study has the research question of how the experience of joint research with partners affects inter-organizational knowledge acquisition. The objective is to demonstrate the mechanism by which firms acquire knowledge of their partners outside of the joint research fields. Employing data from 171 observations involving 65 firms in the TSE industry classification Chemistry, which jointly field patents in 2014, a multiple regression analysis was conducted. The results reveal knowledge acquisition from partners outside the joint research fields is bolstered when the joint research outcomes hold greater value, and when the firm's size is smaller than partners. This study has a theoretical contribution to inter-organizational knowledge acquisition and a practical contribution that demonstrate the new value of inter-firm joint research.