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Title: Proximity, knowledge transfer, and innovation in technology-based mergers and acquisitions

Authors: Prescott C. Ensign; Chen-Dong Lin; Samia Chreim; Ajax Persaud

Addresses: Schlegel Centre for Entrepreneurship, School of Business and Economics, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, Ontario, N2L 3C5, Canada ' Human Resources Branch, Canada Revenue Agency, Ottawa, Ontario, K1P 5N2, Canada ' Telfer School of Management, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, K1N 6N5, Canada ' Telfer School of Management, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, K1N 6N5, Canada

Abstract: This paper presents the findings from a qualitative study on the extent to which three dimensions of proximity - geographic, cognitive, and organisational - impact knowledge transfer and innovation post-merger and acquisition (M&A). Findings show that the elements of proximity substantially influence both knowledge transfer and innovation although the nature of the impact varies and is influenced by the type of management interventions or lack thereof post-M&A.

Keywords: geographical proximity; cognitive proximity; organisational proximity; knowledge transfer; mergers and acquisitions; M&A; technology management; innovation; post-M&A; management intervention.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTM.2014.064018

International Journal of Technology Management, 2014 Vol.66 No.1, pp.1 - 31

Received: 16 May 2012
Accepted: 19 Nov 2012
Published online: 30 Aug 2014 *