524 research outputs found
Exploration and exploitation in the presence of network externalities
This paper examines the conditions under which exploration of a new, incompatible technologyis
conducive to firm growth in the presence of network externalities. In particular,
this studyis motivated bythe divergent evolutions of the PC and the workstation markets in
response to a new technology: reduced instruction set computing (RISC). In the PC market,
Intel has developed new microprocessors bymaintaining compatibilitywith the established
architecture, whereas it was radicallyr eplaced byRISC in the workstation market. History
indicates that unlike the PC market, the workstation market consisted of a large number
of power users, who are less sensitive to compatibilitythan ordinaryusers. Our numerical
analysis indicates that the exploration of a new, incompatible technologyis more likelyto
increase the chance of firm growth when there are a substantial number of power users or
when a new technologyis introduced before an established technologytakes off.
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Churn, Baby, Churn: Strategic Dynamics Among Dominant and Fringe Firms in a Segmented Industry
This paper integrates and extends the literatures on industry evolution and dominant firms to develop a dynamic theory of dominant and fringe competitive interaction in a segmented industry. It argues that a dominant firm, seeing contraction of growth in its current segment(s), enters new segments in which it can exploit its technological strengths, but that are sufficiently distant to avoid cannibalization. The dominant firm acts as a low-cost Stackelberg leader, driving down prices and triggering a sales takeoff in the new segment. We identify a “churn” effect associated with dominant firm entry: fringe firms that precede the dominant firm into the segment tend to exit the segment, while new fringe firms enter, causing a net increase in the number of firms in the segment. As the segment matures and sales decline in the segment, the process repeats itself. We examine the predictions of the theory with a study of price, quantity, entry, and exit across 24 product classes in the desktop laser printer industry from 1984 to 1996. Using descriptive statistics, hazard rate models, and panel data methods, we find empirical support for the theoretical predictions
Dust detection by the wave instrument on STEREO: nanoparticles picked up by the solar wind?
The STEREO/WAVES instrument has detected a very large number of intense
voltage pulses. We suggest that these events are produced by impact ionisation
of nanoparticles striking the spacecraft at a velocity of the order of
magnitude of the solar wind speed. Nanoparticles, which are half-way between
micron-sized dust and atomic ions, have such a large charge-to-mass ratio that
the electric field induced by the solar wind magnetic field accelerates them
very efficiently. Since the voltage produced by dust impacts increases very
fast with speed, such nanoparticles produce signals as high as do much larger
grains of smaller speeds. The flux of 10-nm radius grains inferred in this way
is compatible with the interplanetary dust flux model. The present results may
represent the first detection of fast nanoparticles in interplanetary space
near Earth orbit.Comment: In press in Solar Physics, 13 pages, 5 figure
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Full System Operations of Mercury; A Diode-Pumped Solid-State Laser
Operation of the Mercury laser with two amplifiers activated has yielded 30 Joules at 1 Hz and 12 Joules at 10 Hz and over 8 x 10{sup 4} shots on the system. Static distortions in the Yb:S-FAP amplifiers were corrected by magneto rheological finishing technique
Harnessing the ‘Essential Tension’ of Design: The Complex Relationship between the Firm and Designer Consultants
Construction Innovation: Addressing the Project-Product Gap in the Swedish Construction Sector
Innovation Management Techniques and Tools: a review from Theory and Practice
Knowledge is considered to be an economic driver in today’s economy. It has become a commodity, a resource that can be packed and transferred. The objective of this paper is to provide a comprehensive review of the scope, trends and major actors (firms, organizations, government, consultants, academia, etc.) in the development and use of methods to manage innovation in a knowledge-driven economy. The paper identifies the main innovation management techniques (IMTs) aiming at the improvement of firm competitiveness by means of knowledge management. It will specifically focus on those IMTs for which knowledge is a relevant part of the innovation process. The research study, based on a survey at the European level, concludes that a knowledge-driven economy affects the innovation process and approach. The traditional idea that innovation is based on research (technology-push theory) and interaction between firms and other actors has been replaced by the current social network theory of innovation, where knowledge plays a crucial role in fostering innovation. Simultaneously, organizations in both public and private sectors have launched initiatives to develop methodologies and tools to support business innovation management. Higher education establishments, business schools and consulting companies are developing innovative and adequate methodologies and tools, while public authorities are designing and setting up education and training schemes aimed at disseminating best practices among all kinds of businesse
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