Multinational companies embedded in national innovation systems in developing countries: the case of Norwegian fish farming multinationals in Chile

Abstract

This paper looks at how Norwegian multinational fish farming companies are embedded in the innovation system in Chile. The empirical part is mainly based on interviews with industry representatives in both countries as well as literature and document analyses. There are around 50 Norwegian companies in Chile, most of them involved in salmon farming and supporting activities. Few of them have, however, decided to invest heavily in R&D and innovation locally, and they generally seem to follow a “national treasure” internationalisation strategy where most R&D is kept in the home base. The data indicate that uncertainties about costs, perceived high risks, cultural differences and weak university-industry relations in Chile are some of the factors behind these decisions. A general policy implication is therefore to strengthen university-industry relations in various ways, and the companies welcome such recent initiatives.