Knowledge Transfer Through Congenital Learning: Spin-out Generation, Growth and Survival

This paper examines the role of knowledge as a driver of an organization’s formation, and as a subsequent source of its competitive advantage. We investigate the parent-progeny knowledge transfer relationship, and the impact of this congenital learning on the evolution and performance of a spin-out (an entrepreneurial venture by an ex-employee). Using data from the disk drive industry, we show that incumbent knowledge capabilities, related to technology and market pioneering, predict spin-out formation. Parent's capabilities at the time of spin-out founding positively affect spin-out knowledge capabilities, and result in spin-outs having higher probabilities of survival relative to other entrants.