Ambidexterity in MNC knowledge sourcing in emerging economies: A microfoundational perspective. Issue 2 (April 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Dodourova, Mariana; Zhao, Shasha; Harzing, Anne-Wil
• Is Part Of: International business review. Volume 32:Issue 2(2023)
• Publication Date: 2023-04
• Subjects: Knowledge sourcing -- Microfoundations -- Ambidexterity -- Location capability -- Emerging economy; International business enterprises -- Periodicals; 338.8805
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ibusrev.2021.101854
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0969-5931

Abstract

Highlights: MNC knowledge sourcing in emerging economies has become strategic. MNCs are heterogeneous in knowledge sourcing activities in the same emerging economy. Microfoundational perspective of ambidexterity unfolds four distinct knowledge sourcing processes. MNC knowledge sourcing in emerging economy is a dynamic and multifaceted process. Emerging economies have become locations for knowledge exploration. Abstract: Innovation performance of multinational corporations (MNCs) derives from access to and utilization of a combination of explorative and exploitative knowledge across heterogeneous settings. These settings increasingly encompass flagship industries in emerging economies. There is limited research, however, that scrutinizes the processes of knowledge sourcing within such dynamic host environments, taking into account MNCs' differing location capabilities. We draw on the concept of ambidexterity – the combination of exploration and exploitation – and the microfoundations approach to study eleven MNCs in the Bulgarian software development industry by focusing on their local R&D projects. We extend the explanatory capacity of ambidexterity at the micro level and clarify the relationship between exploration and exploitation by identifying four types of ambidexterity: global knowledge differentiator, global-local knowledge integrator, emerging local-global integrator, and local knowledge integrator. Our typology is underpinned by three specific dimensions of R&D capabilities: technical know-how, scope of expertise, and market potential.