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Network structure and innovation: The leveraging of a dual network as a distinctive relational capability (2007)
| Venue: | STRATEGIC MGMTJOURNAL |
| Citations: | 42 - 1 self |
BibTeX
@ARTICLE{Capaldo07networkstructure,
author = {Antonio Capaldo},
title = {Network structure and innovation: The leveraging of a dual network as a distinctive relational capability},
journal = {STRATEGIC MGMTJOURNAL},
year = {2007},
volume = {28},
pages = {585--608}
}
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Abstract
This paper employs comparative longitudinal case study research to investigate why and how strong dyadic interfirm ties and two alternative network architectures (a ‘strong ties network’ and a ‘dual network’) impact the innovative capability of the lead firm in an alliance network. I answer these intrinsically cross-level research questions by examining how three design-intensive furnishings manufacturers managed their networks of joint-design alliances with consulting industrial design firms over more than 30 years. Initially, in order to explore the sample lead firms’ alliance behavior, I advance an operationalization of interorganizational tie strength. Next, I unveil the strengths of strong ties and the weaknesses of a strong ties network. Finally, I show that the ability to integrate a large periphery of heterogeneous weak ties and a core of strong ties is a distinctive lead firm’s relational capability, one that provides fertile ground for leading firms in knowledge-intensive alliance networks to gain competitive advantages whose sustainability is primarily based on the dynamic innovative capability resulting from leveraging a dual network architecture.
Keyphrases
dual network distinctive relational capability network structure strong tie strong tie network relational capability innovative capability industrial design firm sample lead firm interorganizational tie strength competitive advantage alliance network distinctive lead firm knowledge-intensive alliance network strong dyadic interfirm tie fertile ground joint-design alliance comparative longitudinal case dual network architecture lead firm heterogeneous weak tie alternative network architecture large periphery dynamic innovative capability cross-level research question design-intensive furnishing manufacturer
