Technology development and transfer across national and organizational borders: The case of AT&T network systems Europe

Using the international product development experience of AT&T, the paper outlines the current competitive dynamics in the European telecommunications industry, and the competencies that a telecommunications company must have to be successful. The components of technology development and knowledge transfer follow next: recognition or perception of the match between technology and product knowledge and market need or niche, and the capability to deliver successful products. Three types of international product development structures based upon AT&T's evolution from a national, centralized structure for R&D and product development to a worldwide, competence-based, product development structure are critiqued. The assumptions, enabling conditions, and required individual and organizational capabilities of each stage are discussed, highlighting each stage's impact on the firm's ability to recognize a match between available technology and the market.