Transactive memory system and breakthroughs: a multi‑dimensional, contextualized model for inventor teams

Abstract

This study explores how Transactive Memory System (TMS) contributes to breakthroughs in inventor teams. From the perspective of knowledge integration, a TMS plays a crucial role in optimizing diverse expertise, facilitating effective knowledge sharing and integration, and creating innovation synergy essential for breakthroughs. We argue that the three dimensions of TMS—specialization, credibility, and coordination—differently influence breakthroughs due to their distinct roles in knowledge integration within the team. Using the U.S. pharmaceutical patent data, we identify an inverted U-shaped relationship between specialization and breakthroughs, as well as positive relationships between credibility and breakthroughs, and between coordination and breakthroughs. These relationships are moderated by technological complexity and inventor team size. By leveraging objective patent-based proxies for TMS, our study provides empirical evidence on its nuanced mechanisms and contextual contingencies, offering new insights into the micro-foundations of team-based R&D collaborations and practical guidance for fostering breakthrough technologies.