Technological know-how, property rights, and enterprise boundaries: the contribution of Arora and Merges

Abstract

The business history, industrial economics, and research management literatures have long recognized some kind of connection between innovation, intellectual property, and the boundaries of the business enterprise (Frankel, 1955; Kindleberger, 1964; Teece, 1980, 1982, 1986, 1988, 2000). Arora and Merges have made a valuable contribution to a neglected line of scholarly work and have helped revitalize discussion on critical issues which have both management and policy implications. Their particular focus is on intellectual property rights and the boundaries of the enterprise, and they raise issues of great importance for management and policy.