Inter-firm Relationships in the Development of the Japanese Telecom Industry

Kenichi Nishioka, John Dawson

Research output: Working paper

Abstract / Description of output

Telecom services have been developed massively in the last ten years. The telecom companies offered not only telephone services but also data exchanges like streaming services. Therefore, they now offer telecom services as packaging into which layered services are integrated. Telecom services are closely influenced by developing technologies. Additionally, the processes of service development have involved many companies. Therefore, inter-firm relationships are emphasized in the management of technology in these areas. This paper
shows that the interactions between the marketing concept and the nature of inter-firm relationships led to the development of telecom services. The relationships derived from business resources which originated from an exchange of technological knowledge and specialized skills. This research uses the NTT-centred collaboration system in Japan, which features relational exchanges and high mutual dependence. This case shows that developments in technology resulted in an expanded domain of applicability. Consequently,
the existing market was forced to change. As a result, indirect exchanges occurred when interfirm relationships changed. With increasing integration of the market, the number of firms grew and they concentrated on specific technologies, having superior competitive advantages in each layered business area.
Original languageEnglish
PublisherUniversity of Edinburgh Business School
Number of pages23
Publication statusPublished - 2008

Publication series

NameWorking Paper Series
PublisherThe University of Edinburgh Business School

Keywords / Materials (for Non-textual outputs)

  • telecommunication
  • r&d
  • innovation
  • japan

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