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A Multi-Level Perspective on Ambidexterity: The Case of a Synchrotron Research Facility

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  • Arman Avadikyan
  • Gilles Lambert
  • Christophe Lerch

Abstract

We investigate the case of a large scale user oriented research infrastructure, to explicate the repertoire of management strategies that support its organizational ambidexterity. Adopting an ecosystem perspective, our case study unveils, beyond the generic exploitation / exploration tension the multi-level nature of ambidexterity through specific tensions associated to different management levels: (1) responsive versus proactive orientation towards users (2) modular versus architectural technology innovations; (3) competitive versus cooperative orientation towards other organizations. We conclude that ambidexterity is a systemic capability emerging through interactions between nested tensions. Appropriately managing a tension at one level helps to release the innovative energy of tensions at other levels. Synergistic evolution of tensions creates thereby multi-level innovation dynamics.

Suggested Citation

  • Arman Avadikyan & Gilles Lambert & Christophe Lerch, 2016. "A Multi-Level Perspective on Ambidexterity: The Case of a Synchrotron Research Facility," Working Papers of BETA 2016-44, Bureau d'Economie Théorique et Appliquée, UDS, Strasbourg.
    • Handle: RePEc:ulp:sbbeta:2016-44
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    File URL: http://beta.u-strasbg.fr/WP/2016/2016-44.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Keywords

    Ambidexterity; technology management; co-opetition; user-producer interaction; research infrastructure.;
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