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The evolution of alliance portfolios: the case of Unisys

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  • Dovev Lavie
  • Harbir Singh

Abstract

How do alliance portfolios evolve? We develop grounded theory based on Unisys' case, which reveals how exogenous technological changes at the industry level and shifts in a firm's strategy shape the composition of partners and the nature of alliance relationships. We identify four evolutionary processes: responding to external stimuli, breaking off inertial pressures, enabling coevolution, and restructuring and realigning the alliance portfolio. We shift attention from alliance formation decisions to changes in the nature of alliances and partner characteristics throughout the duration of the alliance portfolio. We suggest that the evolution of alliance portfolios cannot be fully explained by path dependence, life-cycle patterns, or proactive design. Instead, alliance portfolios are shaped by environmental stimuli and conflicting organizational processes. Copyright 2012 The Author 2011. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Associazione ICC. All rights reserved., Oxford University Press.

Suggested Citation

  • Dovev Lavie & Harbir Singh, 2012. "The evolution of alliance portfolios: the case of Unisys," Industrial and Corporate Change, Oxford University Press and the Associazione ICC, vol. 21(3), pages 763-809, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:oup:indcch:v:21:y:2012:i:3:p:763-809
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    File URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1093/icc/dtr058
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    Cited by:

    1. Oh, Eun-Teak & Chen, Hao-Cheng & Nakamoto, Ryuichi & Liu, Ren-Jye, 2024. "Alliance portfolio configuration strategies as catalysts for innovation: Evidence from international alliances between Japanese and Taiwanese manufacturing corporations," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 200(C).
    2. Pangarkar, Nitin & Yuan, Lin & Hussain, Sairah, 2017. "Too much of a good thing? Alliance portfolio size and alliance expansion," European Management Journal, Elsevier, vol. 35(4), pages 477-485.
    3. Zhang, Guiyang & Gao, Yuchen & Qi, Yong, 2022. "National depth and R&D alliance portfolio international expansion: The moderation of technological discontinuity and long-term orientation," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 180(C).
    4. Pinar Ozcan, 2018. "Growing with the market: How changing conditions during market growth affect formation and evolution of interfirm ties," Strategic Management Journal, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 39(2), pages 295-328, February.
    5. Hurmelinna-Laukkanen, Pia & Möller, Kristian & Nätti, Satu, 2022. "Orchestrating innovation networks: Alignment and orchestration profile approach," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 140(C), pages 170-188.
    6. Navid Asgari & Kulwant Singh & Will Mitchell, 2017. "Alliance portfolio reconfiguration following a technological discontinuity," Strategic Management Journal, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 38(5), pages 1062-1081, May.
    7. Castro, Ignacio & Casanueva, Cristóbal & Galán, José Luis, 2014. "Dynamic evolution of alliance portfolios," European Management Journal, Elsevier, vol. 32(3), pages 423-433.
    8. Haider, Sajjad & Mariotti, Francesca, 2016. "The orchestration of alliance portfolios: The role of alliance portfolio capability," Scandinavian Journal of Management, Elsevier, vol. 32(3), pages 127-141.

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