Knowledge dynamics, firm strategy, mergers and acquisitions in the biotechnology based sectors

Authors: Paolo Saviotti¹; Marie-Angèle de Looze¹; M. A. Maupertuis²

Source: Economics of Innovation and New Technology, Volume 14, Numbers 1-2, Numbers 1-2/January-March 2005 , pp. 103-124(22)

Publisher: Routledge, part of the Taylor & Francis Group

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Abstract:

In this article, a method to map the knowledge base (KB) of firms is developed and applied to the study of strategic changes, mergers and acquisitions. The empirical data are related to three firms, Hoechst, Rhône-Poulenc and Aventis, which resulted from the merger of the first two. Our study shows how the KB of both Hoechst and Rhône-Poulenc changed gradually reflecting their strategic reorientation away from chemistry and towards the life sciences. While the previous transition produced a segmented KB with the chemistry and biology subsets largely separated, the merger led a more closely integrated KB. The KB of some Aventis subsidiaries have been studied as well.

Keywords: Knowledge base; Lexicographic analysis; Patents; Mergers; Strategy

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/1043859042000228679

Affiliations: 1: INRA-SERD, Université Pierre Mendès-France BP 47 38040 Grenoble Cedex 9 France 2: Université de Corse, Corte, and IDEFI CNRS-UNSA Sophia-Antipolis 06560 Valbonne France

Publication date: 2005-01-01

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