How to make an artificial satellite out of a nuclear reactor : the management of dynamic capabilities at INVAP

Date

2008

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

Instituto de Industria, Universidad Nacional de General Sarmiento (UNGS), Los Polvorines, Buenos Aires, AR

Abstract

The dynamic capabilities perspective conceives organisations as evolving bundles of resources. This article analyses the technological dynamic capabilities (TDCs) of INVAP, a firm which produces a widely diversified array of high-tech products. This study analyses six TDCs of INVAP as interstitial (transverse, inter-departmental as well as interdisciplinary) circulating knowledge. Mutatis mutandis this circulating TDC knowledge has the potential to nurture a variety of INVAP development projects from different areas. This article highlights the importance of TDC management in technology intensive companies. By marginalizing the traditional R+D emphasis on the actual generation of new products and the improvement of production processes, this line of enquiry suggests that TDC evolution should be monitored and TDC potential should be regularly assessed. Each TDC can actually be dis-connected and re-connected to a variety of development projects. Furthermore, since TDCs can be combined, TDC management entails foreseeing possible complementarities. Finally, thorough TDC management can contribute to improve product portfolio strategies.

Description

Keywords

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT, PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT, TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATIONS, INDUSTRIAL PROCESSING, TECHNOLOGICAL DYNAMIC CAPABILITIES (TDC), HIGH TECHNOLOGY INDUSTRY, ARGENTINA

Citation

DOI