Norwegian multinational firms in the Chilean salmon farming industry : developing prerequisites for innovative activities in host countries

Abstract

The salmon farming industry has become increasingly global and dependent on advanced knowledge and technology. Multinational firms (MNFs) have been labelled as the most dominant actors in the industry. While the literature suggests that the MNF has become more engaged in internationalization of innovative activities, the levels it cannot be compared to the internationalization of production activities. To what degree is this relevant for the salmon farming industry? The thesis seeks to analyze Norwegian MNFs in the Chilean salmon farming industry and the scope of their innovative activities. Are there indications more internationalization of these activities, in particular through local R&D units? Time has shown that the traditional technology transfer strategy is becoming increasingly challenging. One reason could be due to higher levels of technological development leading to an increasing complexity in the knowledge bases as well as industrial maturity. How can evolutionary theory help explain the patterns of internationalization? These are some issues that are of concern in this work.

Key words: Innovation, Salmon Farming, Aquaculture, Internationalization, R&D, local contexts