Technological discontinuities, outsiders and social capital: a case study from Formula 1

Smith, DJ ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7359-8451, 2012. Technological discontinuities, outsiders and social capital: a case study from Formula 1. European Journal of Innovation Management, 15 (3), pp. 332-335. ISSN 1460-1060

Preview

Text 208621_8316%20Smith%20Postprint.pdf Download (307kB) | Preview

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine how and why outsiders, rather than incumbents, are able to take advantage of technological discontinuities. Design/ methodology/approach – The paper employs a case study of a single innovation that transformed the technology of Formula 1 motor racing. Findings – The findings show how social capital made up of ‘weak ties’ in the form of informal personal networks, enabled an outsider to successfully make the leap to a new technological regime. Practical implications – The findings show that where new product development involves a shift to new technologies, social capital can have an important part to play. Originality/value – It is widely accepted that radical innovations are often competence destroying, making it difficult for incumbents to make the transition to a new technology. The findings show how the social capital of outsiders can place them at a particular advantage in utilizing new technologies.

Item Type:	Journal article
Publication Title:	European Journal of Innovation Management
Creators:	Smith, D.J.
Publisher:	Emerald
Place of Publication:	Bingley
Date:	2012
Volume:	15
Number:	3
ISSN:	1460-1060
Identifiers:	Number Type 10.1108/14601061211243666 DOI
Divisions:	Schools > Nottingham Business School
Record created by:	EPrints Services
Date Added:	09 Oct 2015 09:50
Last Modified:	09 Jun 2017 13:12
URI:	https://irep.ntu.ac.uk/id/eprint/3656

Actions (login required)

Edit View

Statistics

Views

Downloads