Alliance block composition patterns in the microelectronics industry
Geert Duysters & Charmianne Lemmens
#2008-060
In this note we examine whether a position in a technology alliance
block is accessible to everyone. It appears that partners are selected
on the basis of distinctive attributes they have, which can inhibit
outsiders to join these alliance groups. Our findings clearly indicate
that alliance blocks are composed of actors that have rather similar
characteristics. The social selection processes that alliance block
members employ vis-à-vis non-block members can create a source of
competitive advantage in terms of a higher innovative performance.
Empirical research is focused on the international microelectronics
industry.
Key words: strategic technology alliances, alliance block membership
strategy, microelectronics industry, group-based competition
Jel Codes: O31, O32
UNU-MERIT Working Papers
ISSN 1871-9872