This study explores the factors influencing the pace at which firms imitate innovations introduced by competitors, with a specific focus on periods of technological stability and periods of technological transition.
We develop a set of hypotheses by integrating theories related to rivalry-based and information-based imitation with the literature on technological change.
Analyzing approximately three decades of new product launches in the mobile phone industry, our empirical findings reveal that firms tend to imitate at a slower pace during periods of technological transition when compared to periods of technological stability. Furthermore, we uncover several contingencies that moderate this relationship.
Claudio Giachetti is Full Professor of Strategy in the Department of Management at Alma Mater Studiorum – University of Bologna.
Before joining the University of Bologna, he held the position of Full Professor at the Department of Management of Ca’ Foscari University of Venice, where he also received his Ph.D. in Business. He was visiting researcher at Bayes Business School (formerly Cass) in London (UK), at the University of Zaragoza (Spain), and at Skema Business School (France), and received a master degree in International Management at Università di Modena e Reggio Emilia (Italy).
His primary research interests concern competitive dynamics and product innovation in rapidly changing technological and institutional environments. Claudio's work has been published in various leading journals, including Academy of Management Journal, Strategic Management Journal, Organization Science, Journal of Operations Management, Strategic Organization, Research Policy, Long Range Planning, and Global Strategy Journal, among others. Claudio serves as Associate Editor for Business Research Quarterly.
Over the years, he has been consulting on issues of corporate strategy, competitive analysis and product innovation with a variety of clients from the private sector.
The seminar will be held in English.
Major information: Daniela Bolzani (daniela.bolzani@unibo.it).