Technology Licensing and the Performance of Firms in US Information and Communication Technology Industry: The Case of Licensees

Abstract

This paper empirically investigates the effects of technology licensing on the licensee firm's performance with the help of a unique data set of observed licensing transactions in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) industry. We examine how intensity of licensing participation as a licensee affects the firm's performance. This study also analyzes how relationship between the licensor and the licensee in a deal along with characteristics of participants and their industry influences the performance of the licensee firm. The findings suggest that frequent participation in technology licensing increase licensee firm's sales growth. Also, transaction cost considerations and technology spillovers are important explanatory factors that influence licensee firms' performance in licensing.