Title: A concerted effort to transfer knowledge within European MNCs

Authors: Dolores Sanchez Bengoa; Michael R. Czinkota; Hans Ruediger Kaufmann; Marc Falko Schrader

Addresses: University of Applied Management Studies, Neckarauerstr. 200, 68163 Mannheim, Germany ' McDonough School of Business, Georgetown University, 402 Hariri Building, Washington, DC 20057, USA ' University of Nicosia, 46, Makedonitissas Avenue, PO Box 24005, 1700 Nicosia, Cyprus; International Business School, Vilnius University, 22, Sauletekio Ave., LT-10225 Vilnius, Lithuania ' Aalen University, Beethovenstrasse 1, 73430 Aalen, Germany

Abstract: This conceptual paper contributes to the nascent debate on a stronger appreciation of subsidiaries' contribution to knowledge creation and transfer within the Multinational Corporation (MNC) network reflected by increased levels of reverse and/or horizontal knowledge transfer. Furthermore, the current literature implies scattered evidence with respect to the influential factors and controversial power interests on behalf of the players involved: the MNC headquarter, the individual subsidiaries and between the subsidiaries. For this reason, the paper aims to develop a holistic conceptual framework as a basis for a future research agenda on multidirectional knowledge transfer driven by a concerted effort of all partners involved. Owing to its high cultural density and diversity in a close geographical space, Europe is regarded an ideal and vibrant setting for research on knowledge creation. As a side effect of an increased level of competitiveness, MNCs might play a significant role in contributing to the EU objectives of higher levels of prosperity of an ever more integrated economy and of new energies for the region's technological and industrial development.

Keywords: reverse knowledge transfer; horizontal knowledge transfer; MNCs; multinational corporations; MNC networks; MNC subsidiaries; knowledge creation; EU; European Union.

DOI: 10.1504/EJIM.2015.069164

European Journal of International Management, 2015 Vol.9 No.3, pp.288 - 305

Published online: 30 Apr 2015 *

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