Linda F. Tegarden

Doomed from the start : What is the value of selecting a future dominant design?

This study investigates how important it is for a firm to select what turns out to be a dominant design in a technology‐driven industry. Using the personal computer industry as a case study, this research shows that firms are not doomed when their entry design choices turn out to be ‘wrong.’ For early entrants, we found that switching to the dominant design is associated with increased chances of survival and market share. Contrary to our expectations, we found that even later entrants that switched to the dominant design also enjoyed higher survival rates and greater market position. Copyright

Facing the uncertain environment from technological discontinuities: hedging as a technology strategy

Abstract Emerging markets are prone to technological uncertainty. Several approaches have been proposed as possible strategies for dealing with these uncertainties. The implications of adopting a hedging strategy are investigated in an industry where a dominant design has yet to emerge. Using the personal computer (PC) industry as a case study, this research shows that (1) firms are most likely to hedge prior to the emergence of a dominant design, (2) hedging is related to increased survival rates, and (3) hedging is related to higher market share.

Exploring a typology of technology-intensive firms: when is a rose a great rose?

Abstract Previous research has contributed to our understanding of technology-intensive firms by proposing alternative typologies or classifications of these firms. This study explores the Koberg typology that characterizes firms by growth stage and production technology into four types of organizations: Embryonic, Start-up, Growth, and Mature Multiline. We propose that, consistent with the typology, firms in each type will differ in strategy, structure, practices, and leadership and that performance is contingent on the fit between organizational factors and typology type. In a study of 377 technology-intensive firms, we find support for differences among organizations in organizational variables by typology type. The characteristics of the organizations as well as the typology are significant in explaining organizational performance. However, except for organizational structure, the firm characteristics that are related to performance do not significantly vary by type. The results are discussed in the context of theory development and managerial implications.

On the Shoulders of Giants: Co‐location with Dominant Firms in the Emerging Fiber Optics Industry

In this study we investigate the location choices of start‐ups and established firms relative to dominant firms in the US fiber optics industry from 1976 to 1994. We test the propensity to co‐locate with dominant firms and whether proximity to a dominant firm impacts the strategic choices made by start‐ups and established firms. Contrary to our predictions, we find that both start‐ups and established firms are equally likely to co‐locate with dominant firms. We also find that start‐ups exhibit greater new product adoption rates and greater product‐line breadth than established firms. This implies that start‐ups are relatively more likely to realize greater strategic gains with entry into emerging markets.

TAPPING REGIONAL AND CORPORATE SCIENTIFIC KNOWLEDGE FOR INNOVATION: THE MODERATING ROLE OF SCIENTIFIC KNOWLEDGE DURATION

We develop and test how business entities tap regional and corporate scientific knowledge for their innovations in a revolutionary technology. Building on the knowledge-based view of the firm, we argue that while both regional and corporate scientific knowledge may improve a business entitys innovation, it is the business entitys own accumulative research efforts that improve its ability to absorb regional scientific knowledge. In contrast, we expect and find that the longer the entity has been researching the revolutionary technology, the less likely corporate scientific knowledge will impact the focal entitys innovation. Our results support this theory regarding the moderating effect of a business entitys own accumulative research efforts with corporate scientific knowledge but not with regional knowledge. Further, we find different effects between regional scientific knowledge and innovation among single and multi-location firms.

EXPLORING A TYPOLOGY OF TECHNOLOGY INTENSIVE FIRMS: WHEN IS A ROSE A GREAT ROSE?

Previous research has contributed to our understanding of the technology intensive firms by proposing alternative typologies or classifications of these firms. This study explores one typology that...