Title: Control mechanisms in collaborative R&D projects: the case of supplier and customer relationships in process industry

Authors: Monika Kurkkio

Addresses: Lulea University of Technology, Centre for Management of Innovation and Technology in Process Industry (Promote), 971 87 Lulea, Sweden

Abstract: Collaborative R&D projects are often associated with high degrees of complexity and uncertainty therefore they are difficult to manage. The purpose of this paper is to identify and analyse which motives collaborating companies have to participate in inter-organisational R&D projects, and how these motives affect the selection of control mechanisms. Empirically, the paper draws on two case studies of joint R&D projects. Findings indicate that companies have a variety of motives which subsequently guides the mix of formal and informal control mechanisms. The paper adds to the literature on collaborative R&D projects and gives managerial advice.

Keywords: collaborative R&D projects; control mechanisms; process industry; product development; process development; research and development; process industries; customer-supplier relationships.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTIP.2009.023268

International Journal of Technology Intelligence and Planning, 2009 Vol.5 No.1, pp.73 - 89

Published online: 16 Feb 2009 *

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