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Global Innovation and R&D for Knowledge Creation: The Case of P&G, Unilever and Kao

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Asian Inward and Outward FDI

Part of the book series: Palgrave Macmillan Asian Business Series ((PAMABS))

Abstract

The objective of this chapter is to identify a directional shift toward the decentralization of scientific technological knowledge-creation by Multinational Enterprises (MNEs) in the global market and to determine the extent to which MNEs leverage local knowledge. Therefore, we investigate how firms can retain competitive advantages from the viewpoint of global knowledge-creation. In doing so, we seek to overcome intrinsically static views in the resource-based view and clarify sources of contemporary MNEs’ dynamic capabilities (Cantwell, 1995; Dunning, 1996; Teece, 2009: 136–175; Wernerfelt, 1984). We also examine the dynamic capabilities of contemporary MNEs, which can be seen as MNE-specific from our analysis of the roles of overseas subsidiaries’ R&D capabilities. In particular, we clarify the relationship between the mechanisms of innovative activities and knowledge creation by MNEs and sources of global competitive advantage.

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© 2014 Chie Iguchi, Takabumi Hayashi and Atsuho Nakayama

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Iguchi, C., Hayashi, T., Nakayama, A. (2014). Global Innovation and R&D for Knowledge Creation: The Case of P&G, Unilever and Kao. In: Alvstam, C.G., Dolles, H., Ström, P. (eds) Asian Inward and Outward FDI. Palgrave Macmillan Asian Business Series. Palgrave Macmillan, London. https://doi.org/10.1057/9781137312211_4

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