Abstract
Extant literature has demonstrated how R&D team composition influences the diffusion of new inventions. Yet, this literature has largely overlooked whether these benefits stemming from subsequent inventions are captured by the originating firm or by its competitors. In this study, we explore how R&D team characteristics influence diffusion within the same firm as well as beyond, arguing that the organizational position of the team, its size, and its tenure affect internal and external diffusion differently. An empirical analysis of 19,719 patented inventions developed by a large electronics conglomerate provide robust evidence for the differential effect of R&D team composition on subsequent diffusion within and beyond the firm. The findings of this study contribute to literature on knowledge diffusion, value creation and capture, and team compositions.