Title: Intrafirm technology and knowledge transfer: a best practice perspective

Authors: Iuan-Yuan Lu, Chih-Jen Mao, Chun-Hsien Wang

Addresses: Institute of Business Management, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung 804, Taiwan, ROC. ' Department of International Business and Trade, Shu-Te University, Kaohsiung County 824, Taiwan, ROC. ' Department of Bio-industry and Agribusiness Administration, National Chiayi University, Chiayi, Taiwan, ROC

Abstract: During the 21st century, the capability of best practice transfer will be a core competency of firms and a source of competitive advantage. This study reviews the practices of semiconductor firms and presents three models for the intrafirm transfer of best practices. These models have important implications for technology and knowledge management. First, replication strategies can apply not only to the service sector but also to manufacturing, including high-tech firms. Second, these transfer models validate the contingency theory since various situations induce different transfer models. Third, external benchmarking may not always be the best way to solve problems and maintain competitive advantage. The resource-based theory maintains that firms can retain a competitive edge by efficiently and effectively applying practices developed in-house.

Keywords: resource-based view; RBV; knowledge management; benchmarking; knowledge transfer; core competencies; replication strategies; copy exactly; smart copy; best practice; technology management; semiconductor manufacturing; contingency theory; intrafirm technology transfer; high-tech industries; transfer models; competiveness; in-house practices; Taiwan.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTM.2010.030162

International Journal of Technology Management, 2010 Vol.49 No.4, pp.338 - 356

Published online: 12 Apr 2013 *

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