A D Edicated a Lliance F Unction , I Nformation T Echnology , and the I Ntegration of a Lliance

Research has suggested that alliance experience contribute to value creation in alliances, although mixed findings have been reported in the past. Using the perspective of knowledge integration, this paper explores the roles of a dedicated alliance function and information technology in the process of integrating previous alliance experience. More importantly, it proposes a potential synergistic effect between an alliance function and information technology. By employing a sample of joint ventures during the time period from 1999 to 2001, the paper has shown that both knowledge integration mechanisms strengthen the value of previous alliance experience. Furthermore the use of IT in knowledge integration, particularly regarding knowledge codification and knowledge system usage, has a stronger effect when the firm also has a dedicated alliance function. These findings highlight the role of IT in inter-firm relationships, broaden the view on the value of alliance experience, and offer important managerial implications.