The structure of alliance networks in nascent organizational fields: The case of nanotechnology.

摘要

This dissertation addresses the question of how structure emerges and evolves in nascent interorganizational networks that form around radical innovations. Recent theories of network structure suggest that many networks are comprised of a low number of densely connected hubs, loosely coupled via bridging linkages called connectors. This study uses these theories to develop and test hypotheses regarding emergent structures in the alliance network of a nascent organizational field.; To test the hypotheses, extensive archival data were collected in the emerging organizational field of nanotechnology. To capture the field's network structure, a database was developed to represent the principal organizational forms that make up this new venture community: nanotechnology startup firms, established corporations, university labs, venture capitalists, government funding agencies and nonprofit/economic development groups. Data were then collected on the formal relationships between these entities that make up the alliance network of the nanotechnology community.; By using a nascent network in an emerging organizational field, I was able to document the entire alliance network structure, including all of the major organizational forms that participate in the new venture community. The dataset is both multidimensional and multiplex. It takes into account all of the major nodes in the network, and encompasses many different types of ties. Documenting alliance network ties from the inception of the field also sets the stage for future work on the performance implications for startup firms and participant industries as the emergent network evolves.; The results support the hypotheses that hub and connector structures emerge at the network level, independent of the actions of individual network members. Implications for strategic management and interorganizational alliances are discussed. These implications include a deeper understanding of the nature of network resources as well as potential insight gained by viewing the network in which a firm is embedded as part of its environmental context instead of as a firm resource.; Propositions for further research are then developed regarding the evolution of the hub and connector structures and the network roles of different organizational entities. A taxonomy of network participants with regard to network role is proposed.