Inter-firm knowledge sharing risk management model based on principal-agent theory in supply chain

For the purpose of managing risk in inter-firm knowledge sharing process in supply chain, based upon the different role the enterprise who proposes knowledge sharing initially in knowledge sharing process, this paper divides inter-firm knowledge sharing activities into two different types: demand-pulled and supply-pushed knowledge sharing mode. Then, considering knowledge transfer and absorption capabilities, learning efforts, sharing cost and other factors, two models are constructed based on principal-agent theory. Through solving and analyzing the models, it is found that inter-enterprise risk sharing mechanism, enterprise own feed-forward risk control and input control are significant to avoid risk.