The role of technology in the formation and form of multinational cooperative arrangements

Abstract

An analysis of new cooperative arrangements between U.S. and Japanese industrial firms suggests that technology plays an important role in linking firms, in facilitating strategic positioning, and in influencing the form of the linkage. Firms with a similar emphasis on R&D are more likely to engage in such alliances. Japanese firms appear more likely to use these alliances as ameans to enhance involvement in industries of high technological intensity. The form of the linkage appears to be influenced by the technological intensity of the arrangement's product and the intention to conduct joint R&D.