Exploring the significance of knowledge transfer for facilitating cross-border acquisitions. An extensive examination of current themes, gaps, and potential future research directions

Purpose –The purpose of the paper is to review how knowledge transfer including knowledge integration, absorptive capacity and reverse knowledge transfer in cross-border acquisitions is examined in existing research work. We also propose the directions to advance research in cross-border acquisitions. Design/methodology/approach –A systematic literature review is conducted and related propositions are advanced that is based on scientometric and bibliometric analysis of 146 articles published over 10 years about tacit knowledge transfer, innovation activities, industrial policy effect on merger decisions, top management experience and value creation in crossborder acquisition. First, we searched major themes with the help of Scopus and later we analyzed all received literature with the help of VOS Viewer. Findings – This review facilitates us to identify 6 clusters and main author keywords. These 6 clusters are the underlying six research streams including reverse knowledge transfer (RKT), cultural distances, value creation, absorptive capacity, innovation, and also reference to India and China. Originality/value – Despite knowledge transfer constituting important antecedents and critical factors for the success of cross-border acquisitions, knowledge management in the acquired company through proper knowledge transfer and knowledge integration is not given enough attention. Current literature still fails to provide a holistic picture of how firms strategically manage knowledge post-acquisition. This study is the first to analyse the dynamics of knowledge transfer in cross-border acquisitions. The study is a novel attempt to relate current research themes to emerging areas of cross-border acquisitions