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  • October 2010 (Revised May 2012)
  • Background Note
  • HBS Case Collection

Reverse Engineering, Learning, and Innovation

By: Willy C. Shih
  • Format:Print
  • | Language:English
  • | Pages:7
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Abstract

This background reading looks at reverse engineering in the context of piracy and knock-offs in emerging markets like China. It first considers legal aspects of reverse engineering in strong property rights regimes like the United States as a way of unpacking the legal issues. It considers the importance of tacit or unexposed knowledge, and whether modularizing a system facilitates the recovery of design intent. Finally we look at the role of reverse engineering in the development of capabilities and how it enhances a firm's absorptive capabilities. It is intended to be used as a background reading for the case "From Imitation to Innovation: Zongshen Industrial Group," HBS No. 610-057.

Keywords

Crime and Corruption; Learning; Engineering; Innovation and Invention; Intellectual Property; Knowledge Use and Leverage; Emerging Markets; China; United States

Citation

Shih, Willy C. "Reverse Engineering, Learning, and Innovation." Harvard Business School Background Note 611-039, October 2010. (Revised May 2012.)
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About The Author

Willy C. Shih

Technology and Operations Management
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Related Work

    • October 2010 (Revised May 2012)
    • Faculty Research

    Reverse Engineering, Learning, and Innovation

    By: Willy C. Shih
Related Work
  • Reverse Engineering, Learning, and Innovation By: Willy C. Shih
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