Redesigning the model of the initiation and evolution of inter-firm knowledge transfer in R&D relationships

Purpose. Starting from the model on the initiation and evolution of inter-firm knowledge transfer in R&D relationships developed by Faems et al. (2007), our aim is to refine and improve this model, assessing its reliability in a different and wider context and extending it according to our outcomes. Design/methodology/approach. We implemented a multiple case-study approach, examining thirty-four dyadic inter-firm R&D relationships. This methodology suits our goal of exploring the validity of a model in an area where little data or theory exist. Findings. We improved the theoretical model proposed by Faems et al. (2007), confirming the adequacy of the overall structure of their intuition, but also highlighting several differences in terms of factors that lead to the dissolution of R&D relationships. These differences mainly refer to partners’ similarities before starting R&D relationships, co-opetition situations, knowledge leakage/opportunistic behavior and reputation issues. Originality/value. To our best knowledge, our work is the first trying to investigate two open research gaps with reference to the model on the initiation and evolution of interfirm knowledge transfer in R&D relationships: the need for additional case studies in other contexts to develop a more general theory, and the lack of research incorporating issues like relational capital between partners, governance form, and alliance scope in an integrated analysis.