The link between technical knowledge transfer in alliances and resource efficiency: ambidexterity in development of R&D and appropriation capabilities

This study investigates how learning from alliances leads to more efficient use of resources in developing firm capabilities. To do so, we investigate how knowledge transfer in technological and non-technological alliances affects firms’ efficiency to develop R&D and appropriation capabilities, respectively. Further, we examine the impact of alliances on firms’ ambidexterity. lastly, we examine the contingencies that can influence the direct effect of alliances on firm ambidexterity. This longitudinal study uses a sample of 3,045 U.S. firms that formed alliances in 2006. The findings suggest that the firms’ capabilities improve as a result of forming technical alliances but the same cannot be said about non-technical alliances. Nevertheless, establishing either form of alliance improves firms’ efficiency in the use of resources to achieve ambidexterity. However, this effect is contingent on the disparity in the size of alliance partners and industry munificence.