UK international equity joint ventures in technology and innovation: an analysis of patterns of activity and distribution

This paper presents a series of data examining the pattern of activity of the UK, in terms of equity joint ventures (EJV) formation, with partners in Western Europe, Scandinavia, USA and Japan and within technological industries. The data set consists of 1,415 equity joint ventures (EJVs) formed between 1945-1989. The pattern of activity is examined over time, in terms of industry and geographical distribution. The data presented also include information concerning domestic EJV formation for each of the countries studied which previous research has not considered. The paper also comments on the need to focus on "soft" vs "hard" issues in examining the context and performance outcomes of international strategic alliances and equity joint ventures (EJVs) and avenues for future research.