The role of inter-organizational relationships in the development of patents: A knowledge-based approach

To link to full-text access for this article, visit this link: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.respol.2008.04.015 Byline: Mona Weck (a), Kirsimarja Blomqvist (b) Keywords: Inter-organizational relationships; Inventor; Knowledge; Patent; Telecommunications Abstract: This paper examines the role of various inter-organizational relationships in patent development, and how these relationships contribute to patent competitiveness. It takes the perspective of individual inventors and describes how they utilize external knowledge in the development of patents. Based on a case study of a European telecom operator, we found interaction with R&D consortia, suppliers and customers to support inventors in the development of new ideas for patents and in solving related problems. In terms of patent competitiveness, buyer-seller relationships were more valuable for an operator than R&D consortia relationships, as they reduced the market and technology uncertainty related to the patent. Author Affiliation: (a) Helsinki University of Technology, Department of Industrial Engineering and Management, PL 5500, 02015 TKK, Finland (b) Professor of Knowledge Management, Lappeenranta University of Technology, School of Business & Technology Business Research Center, PO BOX 20, 53851 LAPPEENRANTA, Finland Article History: Received 18 June 2006; Revised 11 January 2008; Accepted 21 April 2008