The Puzzle of Insular Domains: A Longitudinal Study of Knowledge Structuration and Innovation in Biotechnology Firms

• Main Authors: GEORGE, Gerald, KOTHA, Reddi, ZHENG, Yanfeng
• Format: text
• Language: English
• Published: Institutional Knowledge at Singapore Management University 2007
• Subjects: Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations; Strategic Management Policy; Technology and Innovation
• Online Access: https://ink.library.smu.edu.sg/lkcsb_research/4202; https://ink.library.smu.edu.sg/context/lkcsb_research/article/5201/viewcontent/KothaRInsular.pdf
• Institution: Singapore Management University

In this study we explain the puzzle of insular domains: insular domains are niches where new innovation is built on the knowledge within the domain. Given the nature of knowledge needed for new innovation in an insular domain the puzzle is why do new firms enter these niches? In a longitudinal sample of 128 biotechnology start-ups founded from 1980 to 1999 we explain why start-ups enter insular domains and how the start-ups develop technology capabilities.