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Publication
Interlocked Boards of Directors in the Biotechnology Industry
Book Contribution - Book Chapter Conference Contribution
Objectives
Investigation of the network structure of interlocked boards in the biotechnology industry and the consequences for effective knowledge transfer.
Approach/Methods
Starting from a concise literature review on learning, knowledge transfer and innovation in the context of the biotechnology industry, the conditions for effective knowledge transfer are derived. Based on these theoretically derived conditions, we state our research question: Do the characteristics of the board network in the Flemish and Brussels biotechnology industry meet the necessary conditions for effective knowledge transfer? The derived conditions are analysed based on the method proposed by Robbins and Alexander (2004), particularly developed for an extensive investigation of board networks. In addition, we scrutinize particular substructures of the network to gain a better insight in particular and organization-specific opportunities.
Results/Insights
Analysis shows (1) that distances between boards are short, (2) that clustering in the whole network is high, and (3) that central 'hubs' exist in the network structure. The board network thus meets the important conditions for supporting effective knowledge transfer.
Implications to Community/Industry
A better understanding of the dynamics of knowledge transfer between organisations and the importance of networks within the industry.
Value to the Theme
Our analysis is renewing as we use an advanced network analysis method particularly developed to investigate board network characteristics,a method that to date has not been performed on one single industry. The geographical location of the industry studied makes the results of particular interest for researchers active in the field of clustering and the spatial aspects of innovation. A better insight in the networking dynamics of an industry is useful for managers and policy makers active in the biotechnology industry.
Investigation of the network structure of interlocked boards in the biotechnology industry and the consequences for effective knowledge transfer.
Approach/Methods
Starting from a concise literature review on learning, knowledge transfer and innovation in the context of the biotechnology industry, the conditions for effective knowledge transfer are derived. Based on these theoretically derived conditions, we state our research question: Do the characteristics of the board network in the Flemish and Brussels biotechnology industry meet the necessary conditions for effective knowledge transfer? The derived conditions are analysed based on the method proposed by Robbins and Alexander (2004), particularly developed for an extensive investigation of board networks. In addition, we scrutinize particular substructures of the network to gain a better insight in particular and organization-specific opportunities.
Results/Insights
Analysis shows (1) that distances between boards are short, (2) that clustering in the whole network is high, and (3) that central 'hubs' exist in the network structure. The board network thus meets the important conditions for supporting effective knowledge transfer.
Implications to Community/Industry
A better understanding of the dynamics of knowledge transfer between organisations and the importance of networks within the industry.
Value to the Theme
Our analysis is renewing as we use an advanced network analysis method particularly developed to investigate board network characteristics,a method that to date has not been performed on one single industry. The geographical location of the industry studied makes the results of particular interest for researchers active in the field of clustering and the spatial aspects of innovation. A better insight in the networking dynamics of an industry is useful for managers and policy makers active in the biotechnology industry.
Book: 10th International Entrepreneurship Forum Conference "Entrepreneurship and Society: Creating Social, Economic, Cultural and Personal Value", 9-11 January 2011, Bahrain.
Pages: 1-19
Number of pages: 19
Publication year:2011
Keywords:networks, board of directors, knowledge transfer, biotechnology industry, interlocked directorates