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Making Design Rules: A Multidomain Perspective

Author

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  • Stefano Brusoni

    (CESPRI and CRORA, Bocconi University, Via Sarfatti, 25, 20136 Milan, Italy, and Silvio Tronchetti Provera Foundation, Via G. Negri, 10, 20123, Milan, Italy)

  • Andrea Prencipe

    (Faculty of Economics, University G. d’Annunzio, Viale Pindaro 42, 65127 Pescara, Italy, and SPRU, University of Sussex, Brighton, BN1 9QE United Kingdom)

Abstract

Design rules allocate functions to modules, identify operating principles, and set interfaces among modules that determine how organizations evolve. A case study of radical innovation in tire manufacturing illustrates the transition from old to new design rules through the joint adaptation of the manufacturing organization and the product to reflect changes in the underlying engineering knowledge. The case shows how knowledge evolution mediates organizational and technological change and makes any organization design openended and evolving.

Suggested Citation

  • Stefano Brusoni & Andrea Prencipe, 2006. "Making Design Rules: A Multidomain Perspective," Organization Science, INFORMS, vol. 17(2), pages 179-189, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:inm:ororsc:v:17:y:2006:i:2:p:179-189
    DOI: 10.1287/orsc.1060.0180
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    modularity; design rules; dynamic multiple networks; tires; tire manufacturing;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • O33 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Technological Change: Choices and Consequences; Diffusion Processes
    • L20 - Industrial Organization - - Firm Objectives, Organization, and Behavior - - - General
    • L62 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Manufacturing - - - Automobiles; Other Transportation Equipment; Related Parts and Equipment

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