The dynamics of inter-firm networks in the course of the industry life cycle: the role of appropriability
Abstract
This paper examines the dynamics of inter-firm networks and introduces a conceptual framework for explaining why inter-firm networks change over time. The framework is based on the idea that patterns of inter-firm linkages are linked to the life cycle development of an industry. Special emphasis is placed on the role of appropriabiliy, i.e. a firm's ability to capture the profits generated by its innovations. The (trans)formation of inter-firm networks in three industries is examined and used to illustrate the relevance of the framwork. One important inference from our study is that public policy makers and manageers should take into account the phase of industry development before implementing policies to create and/or change inter-firm networks.
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Gemser, Leenders and Wijnberg (1996) demonstrated the impact of networking in the global pharmaceutical industry, the US computer industry and the Italian furniture industry.
“Gemser, Leenders and Wijnberg (1996), for example, demonstrated the impact of networking in the global pharmaceutical industry, the US computer industry and the Italian furniture industry.”
From Networking and innovation: a systematic review of the evidence (2004) · cites this paper as Gemser, Leenders and Wijnberg (1996)
The annual growth rate of 18% in the pharmaceutical industry was largely linked to networked research and development.
“They demonstrated that the annual growth rate of 18% in the pharmaceutical industry was largely linked to networked research and development.”
From Networking and innovation: a systematic review of the evidence (2004) · cites this paper as Gemser, Leenders and Wijnberg (1996)
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- Authors
- Gemser, G., Leenders, M. A. A. M., & Wijnberg, N. J.
- Affiliations
- Erasmus University Rotterdam (NL)
- Venue
- Technology Analysis & Strategic Management
- Publisher
- Informa UK Limited
- Published
- 1996-01
- Volume
- 8
- Issue
- 4
- Pages
- 439-454
- ISSN
- 0953-7325 (ISSN-L)
- 1465-3990
- OpenAlex
- W2032406639
- Cited by
- 37
- References
- 28
- Citations by year
- 2026: 1 · 2024: 1 · 2022: 1 · 2021: 1 · 2020: 2 · 2019: 1 · 2018: 1 · 2017: 2 · 2016: 1 · 2014: 1 · 2013: 1
- FWCI
- 3.84
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Technology Analysis and Strategic Management (publishedVersion)
- EUR Research Repository (Erasmus University Rotterdam) (publishedVersion)
- EUR Research Repository (Erasmus University Rotterdam) (submittedVersion)
- Topics
- Social Sciences › Business, Management and Accounting › Strategy and Management › Business Strategy and Innovation
- Social Sciences › Business, Management and Accounting › Strategy and Management › Innovation and Knowledge Management
- Social Sciences › Business, Management and Accounting › Strategy and Management › Digital Platforms and Economics
- Keywords
- inter-firm networks, industry life cycle, appropriability, network dynamics, inter-firm linkages, industry development, industrial policy, network transformation
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