Technological competence and the influence of networks: A comparative analysis of new biotechnology firms in France and Britain

Technology Analysis and Strategic Management

Volumn 10, Issue 4, 1998, Pages 483-495

  Estades, Jacqueline ^a   Ramani, Shyama V ^a  

^a Centre de Recherche Agronomique   (France)

Author keywords

Biotechnology; Comparative study; France; International comparison; Networking; Science and technology; Technological diffusion; United Kingdom

Indexed keywords

BIOTECHNOLOGY RESOURCES; FRANCE; UNITED KINGDOM;

BIOTECHNOLOGY; COMPARATIVE STUDY; INTERNATIONAL COMPARISON; NETWORKING; SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY; TECHNOLOGY DIFFUSION;

FRANCE; UNITED KINGDOM;

EID: 0032450257     PISSN: 09537325     EISSN: None     Source Type: Journal    
DOI: 10.1080/09537329808524329     Document Type: Article

References (22)

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3. We arc extremely appreciative of the excellent interviews of British firms that were conducted by Jacqueline Senker of SPRU.
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7. Hcmcl & Prahalad, op. cit., Ref. . 5.
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15. This point has received some attention earlier. Gallon, op. cit., Ref. 10, and Mustar, op. cit., Ref. . 10, have underlined the importance for firms to manipulate networks in order arrive at an equilibrium between the 'stability' and the 'flexibility' offered by a network. The 'stability' of the network permits mobilization of the associated resources in the short run, but at the same time the 'stability' of the network might create rigidity and the irreversible constraints for the firm concerned in the long term. 'Flexibility' of the network, on the other hand, makes it possible to open the networks to other agents and allow for adaptation to changes in the environment.
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17. It must be noted that not all contracts were renewed and not all strategic alliances were continued. For instance, at the time of the interviews, none of the French firms had any strategic alliances with other firms.
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21. T. Rciss, 'Success Factors for Biotechnology', International Journal of Technology Management, 1998, forthcoming.
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