Digitalization of cross‐border R&D alliances: Configurational insights and cognitive digitalization biases
研究通过模糊集定性比较分析，揭示了数字化技术实施在跨境研发联盟中通常只能实现低吸收能力，并指出认知数字化偏见是主要原因，但特定条件下（如与更大更年轻的伙伴合作、技术相似性）可实现高吸收能力。
Abstract Research Summary Firms implement digital technology for improving coordination and communication in cross‐border R&D alliances. However, there is great ambivalence regarding how digitalization influences cross‐border knowledge transfers. Our analysis clarifies some of this ambivalence by providing different configurations of absorptive capacity in cross‐border R&D alliances. The fuzzy‐set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) reveals only low absorptive capacity achievement in most configurations of digital technology implementation. The findings indicate effects of cognitive digitalization biases, under which firms take the benefits of digital technology for granted while ignoring deep‐level challenges rooted in the contextuality of international ties. However, high absorptive capacity is achievable when (1) allying with bigger and younger partners, (2) under technological similarity, and (3) coping with the associated digitalization biases. Managerial Summary Firms are eager to grasp the potential of digital technology. Within R&D alliances, digital technology is deemed to facilitate better coordination and communication. However, advantages from digital transformation are not always realized, as firms may overestimate the ease and usability of the underpinning technologies. We find that learning and understanding of partner knowledge is improved when R&D partnerships are forged between bigger and smaller partners, when partners feature technological similarities and both parties are similarly minded regarding technologies and do not take technology advantages for granted.