The Interplay Between Knowledge Creation Strategies: The Case of European Information-and-Communications-Technology Firms

Abstract

This paper explores the interplay between two dimensions of organizational learning - internal knowledge creation and external knowledge sourcing. Based on a sample of European information-and-communications-technology firms, this research demonstrates that there are differences in behavior as well as co-movement between the dimensions. The companies engaged in external learning tend to possess more internal knowledge stock as well as that higher internal knowledge stock triggers more active external learning strategies through business combinations, especially divestments.