Technological co-development competence: A longitudinal case of a software development spinout

Abstract

Through a single longitudinal case study of an Italian spinout, this paper develops the concept and processes of technology co-development competence (TCDC). The study adopts the market-as-network perspective for its theoretical framing. TCDC is developed in interaction with customers in a spinout’s network. This competency is possessed by the firm and enacted for the development of its technology within its business network over time - from establishment to embeddedness. The TCDC concept is developed from the literature and case data and is made up of three elements – information and knowledge integration, multi-actor coordination, and interface management. The data collected comprises twenty eight interviews with twelve informants. The study also examines how TCDC evolves in interaction between the focal firm and its business network. It is found to evolve through four processes – technological frictions and tensions management, network-level relationship processes, product features development, and technological co-development enablement. The study outlines a model that presents how TCDC evolves over time in the spinout’s network as it engages with an increasing number of different actors. The model highlights how the elements and processes of TCDC unfold.