Essays on knowledge search and technological performance in the biotechnology industry

Abstract

This dissertation comprises of three essays on the relationships among intellectual human capital (IHC), strategic alliances and technological performance. Earlier research has suggested that (IHC) and strategic alliances are key inputs to a firmb s technological performance. My dissertation investigates the means through which the above two factors influence a firmb s technological performance, explores the mechanisms required for a firm to translate the benefits from these factors into better technological performance and finally, examines the interdependence between the two factors in influencing the technological performance. I test the theoretical models in the dissertation using the patent, publication and alliance data of 222 biotechnology firms over a period of 11 years (1990-2000).