A Cognitive Theory of the Firm: Learning, Governance and Dynamic Capabilities

`A thought provoking, original and personal contribution to the emerging field of cognitive economics, integrating insights from a variety of innovative research streams in neighboring social sciences including neural science, social cognition, strategy and organization, and social network analysis.'
- Anna Grandori, Bocconi University, Italy

`Among scholars writing about business firms, Bart Nooteboom stands out both in his ability to bring relevant perspectives from diverse disciplines together to illuminate phenomena, and in his solid understanding of how firms actually work. For many years he has had a central interest in how firms cope with challenges, problem solving mechanisms in firms, and innovation. These qualities make this an important book. Nooteboom also writes very well, and the book is a pleasure to read.'
- Richard R. Nelson, Columbia University, US

In this important and timely book, Bart Nooteboom develops and applies a social cognitive theory of firms and organizations with a focus on learning and innovation.

Why explore a cognitive theory of the firm? This enlightening study explains that a cognitive theory of the firm is required in order to lend more substance and analysis to current vague and unconnected ad hoc notions in the literature, such as entrepreneurial vision, absorptive capacity, and variety and dispersion of knowledge. The author explores the notion of differential cognition, drawing together the work of Hayek, Schumpeter and Penrose to shed light on the sources of innovation.

This interdisciplinary book connects ideas from specific branches of economics, management and organization, cognitive science, social psychology and sociology and will be invaluable to students and scholars interested in a new perspective on the firm.