Ambidexterity in MNC knowledge sourcing in emerging economies: A microfoundational perspective

Innovation performance of multinational corporations (MNCs) derives from access to and utilization a combination explorative exploitative knowledge across heterogeneous settings. These settings increasingly encompass flagship industries in emerging economies. There is limited research, however, that scrutinizes the processes sourcing within such dynamic host environments, taking into account MNCs’ differing location capabilities. We draw on concept ambidexterity – exploration exploitation microfoundations approach study eleven MNCs Bulgarian software development industry by focusing their local R&D projects. extend explanatory capacity at micro level clarify relationship between identifying four types ambidexterity: global differentiator, global-local integrator, local-global integrator. Our typology underpinned three specific dimensions capabilities: technical know-how, scope expertise, market potential.