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Technological advancement through imitation by industry incumbents in strategic alliances

In: Innovation and Entrepreneurship in the Global Economy

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  • Nerine Mary George
  • Sergey Anokhin
  • Vinit Parida
  • Joakim Wincent

Abstract

Contrary to conventional wisdom, this study demonstrates that technological laggards and not industry front-runners are most likely to experience high rates of technological advancement in strategic alliances. We further suggest that imitation and not innovation is the primary source of such advancement, based on the fact that technological progress by laggards is most visible in industries that lack strong appropriability regimes. Finally, we present empirical evidence suggesting that lagging established corporations prefer to imitate from startups and not from fellow incumbents. These results are derived from a careful analysis of a longitudinal sample of over 150 incumbents with varying degrees of technological prowess that engage in partnerships with both startups and fellow incumbents across a wide representation of industries. Our chapter contributes to technological innovation, strategic alliance, entrepreneurship and imitation literatures, and provides non-trivial implications for startups.

Suggested Citation

  • Nerine Mary George & Sergey Anokhin & Vinit Parida & Joakim Wincent, 2015. "Technological advancement through imitation by industry incumbents in strategic alliances," Chapters, in: Charlie Karlsson & Urban Gråsjö & Sofia Wixe (ed.), Innovation and Entrepreneurship in the Global Economy, chapter 3, pages 65-88, Edward Elgar Publishing.
    • Handle: RePEc:elg:eechap:15906_3
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Anokhin, Sergey & Morgan, Todd & Schulze, William & Wuebker, Robert, 2022. "Is a reputation for misconduct harmful? Evidence from corporate venture capital," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 138(C), pages 65-76.

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