Abstract

This paper explores the temporal sequencing of the evolution of internal and external knowledge sourcing by Multinational Enterprises (mnes) in the pharma sector, between 1976 and 2016, a period that saw the biotechnology sector coalesce and gather momentum. We find that mnes’ knowledge sourcing followed a pattern of dynamic substitution, in which internal knowledge search was replaced, over time, by local inter-organizational and international intra-mne knowledge sourcing. It might be that the key to pharma mnes’ longevity is their ability successfully internalize externally generated knowledge