Resource dependencies in mobile services value networks

Abstract

As mobile infrastructures of 3G and beyond are evolving rapidly, the next generation of mobile Internet services is on its way. Developing and commercializing these mobile Internet services requires a broad set of resources and capabilities ranging from the basic telecommunication network to specific applications, user data and interesting content. As operators, content providers and application developers do not possess all these resources themselves, they need to act collectively in complex value networks. This paper assesses what resource dependencies are most critical in mobile Internet services value networks, and how the level of perceived dependency differs among the various types of actors in the mobile domain, i.e. operators, application providers, content providers, and consultancies. We do so by applying resource dependence theory on the mobile Internet services domain, and by analyzing the results of a survey among 97 practitioners and experts. The results of a confirmatory factor analysis using Amos 7.0 confirm our proposition that resource dependencies can be clustered in those related to access to the network; access to the customer; access to content; and access to applications. Moreover, we found that the level of perceived dependency is significantly different among the actor types. Our results provide a basis for further research on resource dependencies in mobile value networks, as well as guidance for actors in the field on what dependencies to take into account when developing innovative business models and services.