Paper info: Inter-organisational Networks; Enabling, Delaying and Preventative Roles in the Emergence of Disruptive Technologies
Title
Inter-organisational Networks; Enabling, Delaying and Preventative Roles in the Emergence of Disruptive Technologies
Authors
Andrew Elwell and
Niki Hynes
Niki Hynes
Curtin University of Technology Western Australia
Australia
Place of Publication
The paper was published at the 27th IMP-conference in Glasgow, Scotland in 2011.
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Abstract
Abstract
Disruptive change is change that radically alters an end market; typical examples of this include the replacement of vinyl records by CD and later by soft copies (mp3/iTunes etc.), the replacement of film cameras by digital etc. Disruptive change is difficult to predict and may often occur outside the market it is developed in. This paper aims to map an emerging disruptive change; that of mobile VOIP and to evaluate the role of inter-organizational networks in the emergence of this disruptive change. By delineating the steps required in a mobile VOIP call and describing the influences along this “supply” chain, the paper shows 4 stages in the “supply” chain that are typified by the traditional variables affecting technological change; competing standards; emergence of a dominant platform standard; the role of incumbent firms and emerging firms and the role of inter-organizational networks. Traditional thinking states that inter-organizational networks facilitate technological development; in this paper by delineating each stage in the supply chain, the role of inter-organizational networks is mapped; at some points, these networks have facilitated technological development but at the critical point of commercialization, what appears to be collective action by incumbent firms hinders the widespread adoption of the disruptive technology.
Keywords: Disruptive change, networks, telecoms
Disruptive change is change that radically alters an end market; typical examples of this include the replacement of vinyl records by CD and later by soft copies (mp3/iTunes etc.), the replacement of film cameras by digital etc. Disruptive change is difficult to predict and may often occur outside the market it is developed in. This paper aims to map an emerging disruptive change; that of mobile VOIP and to evaluate the role of inter-organizational networks in the emergence of this disruptive change. By delineating the steps required in a mobile VOIP call and describing the influences along this “supply” chain, the paper shows 4 stages in the “supply” chain that are typified by the traditional variables affecting technological change; competing standards; emergence of a dominant platform standard; the role of incumbent firms and emerging firms and the role of inter-organizational networks. Traditional thinking states that inter-organizational networks facilitate technological development; in this paper by delineating each stage in the supply chain, the role of inter-organizational networks is mapped; at some points, these networks have facilitated technological development but at the critical point of commercialization, what appears to be collective action by incumbent firms hinders the widespread adoption of the disruptive technology.
Keywords: Disruptive change, networks, telecoms