Discussion of Empirical Findings

Abstract

The empirical analysis and its findings do not only accentuate the social mechanisms of knowledge transfer in the expatriate context, but also bear specific relevance on a conceptual level. First, the analysis allows to extend the buzz-pipeline model by providing a more nuanced understanding of knowledge transfer through organisational arrangements (pipelines). Second, the analysis emphasises the complex interplay of network dynamics, spatial mobility, and knowledge transfer. Future research needs to address this mutual influence to further our understanding of social networks and their effects from a geographical perspective. For practicioners, the empirical findings advocate a change from knowledge to network management.