Pierre Vialle

Patterns of innovation of a successful latecomer firm: A longitudinal analysis of the case of Huawei

In this article, we analyse the innovation patterns of Huawei, using a longitudinal in-depth single case study based on historical events. By analysing regularities in decision-making concerning product/market and technology decisions from 1987 to 2011, we have identified several patterns and principles. First of all, Huawei tended to implement independent development more extensively than its Chinese rivals. The other patterns or principles are related to this more general pattern. Huaweis basic innovation principle is to “follow” in both product/market and technology, rather than lead. It is related to “platform development” and “scale and market share rather than profit margin”. “Rich product portfolio”, “business offer differentiation” and “encircle the cities” are product/market principles that have further guided innovation decisions.

Complementary versus competitive convergence: the Case of the French IPTV and VoD market

In this paper, we analyse the evolution of the VoD and TV supply in France, and in particular the effect of the launch of IPTV systems. Firstly, the launch of attractive triple-play offers has induced a strong development of the French broadband Internet access market, which in turn has resulted in the entry of numerous players in the VoD market. Secondly, the adoption of IPTV system has changed the competitive and strategic positioning of main players in the VoD value-chain, thus inducing or amplifying strategic moves along this value-chain. In particular, we show how the diffusion of IPTV systems has induced a switch from complementary convergence to competitive convergence.

The role of inter-firm relationships in the technological catching-up of the Chinese telecommunications industry: some paradoxes highlighted

Inter-organisational relationships with established foreign incumbents in a position to transfer valuable knowledge have been identified as a way to foster a process of technological catching-up in emerging economies. A successful process of technological catching-up can best be described as moving from ldquoimitation to innovationrdquo in which public policy may play an influential role. Chinese policy has incited the creation of joint ventures between research centres, domestic firms and foreign firms, as a centrepiece of its catching-up policy. In particular, joint ventures with foreign firms have been a key arrangement allowing access to up-to-date technology, in the context of the ldquotrading market for technologyrdquo policy. In this paper we analyse the role played by inter-firm relationships in knowledge transfer and creation in the context of the Chinese telecommunications industry, and in particular of the network equipment industry. We first present a literature review in order to understand the role of inter-firms relationships in transferring knowledge. We then analyse the role played by interorganizational arrangements such as partnerships and Joint-Ventures between foreign and Chinese telecommunications firms in the Chinese catching up process. We conclude by discussing some paradoxes arising from this case of networks triggered by public policy.