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Exploration of capability and role development in an emerging technology network

Salehi, Fatemeh; Zolkiewski, Judith; Perks, Helen; Bahreini, Mohammad Ali

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Authors

Fatemeh Salehi

Judith Zolkiewski

Helen Perks

Mohammad Ali Bahreini



Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the capabilities and roles of three types of actors, specifically technology-based start-ups, incumbent firms and intermediaries, in co-constructing a network for development and commercialization of an emerging technology. In particular, the research aims to understand how the roles played by network actors evolve during the development and commercialization process and what operational and dynamic capabilities are developed by actors through collaboration.

Design/methodology/approach

A single longitudinal case study methodology was applied to analyse roles and operational and dynamic capabilities developed in a network setting by multiple parties over time.

Findings

The findings indicate that actors need to take on new roles to be successful when dealing with an emerging technology in a network context and they need to develop certain dynamic capabilities to enact these roles. The study categorizes roles and capabilities of network actors through various stages of collaboration. Actors developed sensing capabilities in the pre-collaboration stage which drove joint new product development. During the collaboration, seizing capabilities were developed where resource commitment and alignment of resources among actors were essential. Capabilities gained through commercialization and large-scale production were predominantly transforming capabilities where actors realigned their structure and had positive impact on capability development in the wider network.

Research limitations/implications

Using data of a single case data may limit the applicability of the findings, which calls for future research.

Practical implications

The findings inform managers’’ and policymakers’ strategies related to participation in networks for development and commercialization of emerging technologies. The research provides insights about the role of large and small firms as well as intermediary organizations in development of nanotechnology and highlights that all network actors need to develop and utilize dynamic capabilities in all areas of sensing, seizing and transforming over time to be able to innovate and successfully commercialize a new product.

Originality/value

The research investigates evolution of operational and dynamic capabilities and roles of multiple actors over time in collaborative networks for development and commercialization of an emerging technology. Building on the dynamic capabilities concept, the study broadens our understanding of the evolution of these capabilities in a network setting and elaborates how capability development is linked to changes in roles.

Citation

Salehi, F., Zolkiewski, J., Perks, H., & Bahreini, M. A. (2018). Exploration of capability and role development in an emerging technology network. Journal of Business and Industrial Marketing, 33(7), 931-944. https://doi.org/10.1108/JBIM-09-2017-0211

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Jul 2, 2018
Online Publication Date Oct 5, 2018
Publication Date Oct 5, 2018
Deposit Date Jul 12, 2018
Publicly Available Date Mar 28, 2024
Journal Journal of Business and Industrial Marketing
Electronic ISSN 0885-8624
Publisher Emerald
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 33
Issue 7
Pages 931-944
DOI https://doi.org/10.1108/JBIM-09-2017-0211
Keywords Business network; Commercialization; Emerging technology; Role; Dynamic capability; Nanotechnology; Developing economy
Public URL https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/944886
Publisher URL https://www.emeraldinsight.com/doi/full/10.1108/JBIM-09-2017-0211

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