EXPLAINING THE DIFFERENCES IN DOMESTIC AND CROSS-BOUNDARY STRATEGIC ALLIANCES IN THE PHARMACEUTICAL BIOTECH INDUSTRY/

In this exploratory empirical study of 83 domestic and 101 cross-bound ary strategic alliances, we find very strong evidence to show that dis tinct attributes define the two kinds of alliances. Further, significa ntly different motivations explain domestic and cross-boundary allianc es. In addition, strategic behaviour theory and synergy explain strate gic alliances of both kinds better than transaction costs theory or mi metic theory. Finally, certain types of strategic alliances progress m ore smoothly than others. The study offers a number of avenues for fut ure research.