The inventor game: game-theoretical analysis of knowledge-sharing between inventors and employers

Wijnhoven, Fons and Schuur, Peter and Timmer, Judith (2010) The inventor game: game-theoretical analysis of knowledge-sharing between inventors and employers. Knowledge Management Research & Practice, 8 (1). pp. 61-75. ISSN 1477-8238

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Abstract:	Knowledge-sharing has often been analysed by one-shot game models, where the balance between costs and the value of knowledge exchanges for different exchange partners has been calculated. This paper reviews this literature and discusses five of its assumptions: (1) the assumption of homogeneity of knowledge, (2) the assumption of one-shot solutions, (3) the assumption of knowledge as value, (4) the assumption of knowledge as the only instrument for an actor to influence the payouts, and (5) the assumption of deterministic profits from negotiation results. We propose a more realistic game-theoretical model for analysing knowledge-sharing, based on alternative assumptions, that is, heterogeneity of knowledge, multi-stage negotiations, knowledge value realized via production functions, the need for side payments, and the working of nature and discount factors. Our model may help in establishing new firms on the basis of existing knowledge owned by companies and their employees.
Item Type:	Article
Copyright:	© 2010 Palgrave Macmillan
Faculty:	Management and Governance (SMG) Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS)
Research Chair:	Operations Management and Logistics (OMPL) Design & Implementation of Information Systems (ISCM)
Research Group:	Stochastic Operations Research (SOR) Industrial Engineering & Business Information Systems (IEBIS) Industrial Engineering & Business Information Systems (IEBIS)
Link to this item:	http://purl.utwente.nl/publications/70042
Official URL:	http://dx.doi.org/10.1057/kmrp.2009.38
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