Knowledge development, social capital and alliance learning

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to elucidate information on what creates the different types of knowledge. Design/methodology/approach - In the conceptual model it is argued that the concept of social capital provides an interesting view on the creation of market-specific and firm- specific knowledge. Findings - The major finding from the paper is that knowledge is an important by-product of an alliance forming process, a process commonly termed as alliance learning. Research limitations/implications - Both market-specific and firm-specific knowledge have implications on two main types of alliance learning, that of mutual and non-mutual learning. Practical implications - Alliance managers need to be aware that knowledge is a key driver as well as a beneficial outcome in the formation of alliances. Originality/value - This paper examines how the different types of knowledge evolve and how these different types of knowledge impact upon alliance learning.