Title: Knowledge and technology transfer in multinationals: a systematic literature review

Authors: Rosivalda Pereira; Mário Franco; Margarida Rodrigues; Rui Silva

Addresses: Department of Management and Economics, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal ' CEFAGE-UBI Research Center, Department of Management and Economics, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal ' CEFAGE-UBI Research Center, Department of Management and Economics, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal ' Centre for Transdisciplinary Studies for Development (CETRAD), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro - UTAD, Vila Real, Portugal

Abstract: The transfer of knowledge and technology in Multinational Firms (MNF) is fundamental for market development and is therefore a recurrent topic in the literature. This study aims to map the extensive literature on knowledge and technology transfer in multinationals, through a bibliometric review using the 'bibliometrix package' software, preceded by a descriptive analysis. The descriptive analysis shows the most cited articles and the journals with the greatest number of publications, among other aspects. The results of the bibliometrix obtained show that bibliometric units are knowledge transfer, foreign direct investment and innovation, which has directed current topics towards innovation and technological transfer. The results also showed that these constructs are increasingly important to respond to unexpected challenges occurring at a global level, given that the success of these responses depends on resilience to change and the adoption of new forms of management based on digitalisation, talents and reshoring, so that the weaknesses exposed by the current pandemic are seen as an opportunity for change coupled with greater social responsibility, these arguments being the main contribution of this study. Finally, conclusions are drawn, together with implications for theory and practice from a management perspective and the future research agenda.

Keywords: multinational; knowledge transfer; technology transfer; bibliometrix R; bibliometrics.

DOI: 10.1504/EJIM.2026.151143

European Journal of International Management, 2026 Vol.28 No.2, pp.222 - 247

Received: 26 Jun 2020
Accepted: 05 Oct 2020
Published online: 15 Jan 2026 *

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