R&D organizational structure and innovation: The interplay between intrafirm and interfirm inventor networks
Nicholas S. Argyres, Washington University; Luis A. Rios, University of Pennsylvania; Brian S. Silverman, University of Toronto
Abstract
Recent research has explored the effect of shifts in formal R&D structure on the evolution of inventor networks within the firm, which consequently affects the nature of innovation generated by the firm. Yet prior research demonstrates that the formal organization of R&D affects both internal production of innovation and external sourcing of innovation. In this study, we advance the literature by exploring the interaction between changes in within-firm inventor networks and changes in across-firm inventor networks after a shift in formal R&D structure, and by exploring the effect of this interaction on innovation.