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Strategic alliances and product development in high technology new firms: The moderating effect of technological capabilities

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  • Haeussler, Carolin
  • Patzelt, Holger
  • Zahra, Shaker A.

Abstract

High technology new firms have extensively used strategic alliances to gain access to knowledge, resources and capabilities. However, given their inexperience and limited resources, these firms are vulnerable to their more established partners' potential opportunism. This raises the question: How can new firms maximize the benefits of these alliances while reducing their risks? In this study, we address this question by drawing upon the capabilities perspective to propose that the impact of upstream, horizontal, and downstream alliances on product development depends on the degree of specialization of new firms' technological capabilities. Using a database of biotechnology firms, the results support this argument even when different types of strategic alliances are considered.

Suggested Citation

  • Haeussler, Carolin & Patzelt, Holger & Zahra, Shaker A., 2012. "Strategic alliances and product development in high technology new firms: The moderating effect of technological capabilities," Journal of Business Venturing, Elsevier, vol. 27(2), pages 217-233.
  • Handle: RePEc:eee:jbvent:v:27:y:2012:i:2:p:217-233
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jbusvent.2010.10.002
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    High technology new firms; Strategic alliances; Capabilities perspective; New product development; Biotechnology industry;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • M13 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Business Administration - - - New Firms; Startups
    • L24 - Industrial Organization - - Firm Objectives, Organization, and Behavior - - - Contracting Out; Joint Ventures
    • L25 - Industrial Organization - - Firm Objectives, Organization, and Behavior - - - Firm Performance

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