Drawing on signaling theory, this study examines how characteristics of imitators—such as market leadership or having related technological expertise to the innovator—affect the market performance of the original technology innovator. The analysis employs data from the mobile phone industry and differentiates between forms of imitation that may undermine versus those that may reinforce the technology innovator’s performance, depending on who imitates, at what speed, and the level of technology diffusion at the time of imitation. The findings offer a more nuanced view of imitation, suggesting it is not always harmful to innovators.
Marco Balzano is a Research Fellow in Management at the University of Trieste, Italy. He holds a Double PhD in Management from Ca’ Foscari University of Venice and SKEMA Business School. His primary research interests include business strategy and innovation management. His research has appeared in international journals such as California Management Review, International Journal of Management Reviews, and Technovation. He currently serves as Associate Editor for the Journal of Small Business Management.
The seminar will be held in English.
Major information: Daniela Bolzani (daniela.bolzani@unibo.it).