Knowledge and Innovation Strategies in Global Competition: Insights from New Zealand Multinationals in Europe

Abstract

The paper develops a novel typology of global knowledge and innovation strategies. It focuses on New Zealand-European Union (EU) business relations, and particularly knowledge and innovation links between New Zealand and EU firms. Four case studies of New Zealand firms operating in Europe are used to develop a novel typology of four types of global strategies depending on the strength of the firm’s global knowledge and innovation links, and its strategic position in global competition (localized versus globalized). The paper offers implications for global knowledge and innovation management, particularly by firms from countries that are distant from the main economic centres in the Northern Hemisphere.

Keywords: Knowledge and innovation, Knowledge links, Global position, Global strategy

JEL Classification: F23