Global product R&D and the firm's strategic position

Abstract

The authors investigate coordination and concentration of firms' global product research and development (R&D) and their effect on the firm's global strategic position. Some internal and external antecedents of coordination and concentration also are identified. A conceptual model is developed and tested bq structural equation modeling. The results show that coordination of R&D is a key determinant of the firm's global strategic position. Furthermore, coordination of R&D is influenced by global emphasis and human resource flexibility, both internal organizational resources. Similarly, concentration of R&D is influenced by human resource flexibility. The implications of the findings are discussed.