RESEARCHERS: Kenneth L. Kraemer, Jason Dedrick, Greg Linden


This research, which is being conducted jointly with six other Sloan Foundation Industry Centers, examines the role of massive coordination in globally distributed knowledge networks for R&D and new product development. It compares and contrasts the knowledge networks that accompany physical production networks in the electronics industry. It uses case studies of the PC, semiconductor, flat panel, printer and consumer electronics industries to identify the nature of knowledge inputs and the innovation process, the degree of human interaction needed to capture the full value of an input, and the types of relationships that exist among the network members. It considers the implications of these factors for strategic decisions about where a firm can provide value or differentiate its products or services in the market.

The output of this research is to be published in a book being edited by Timothy Sturgeon of the Productivity and Industrial Performance Center at MIT.