Competitive Dynamics of Technological Standardization: The Case of Third Generation Cellular Communications

Abstract

This article is concerned with the processes through which technological standards are developed, and how these standards provide the underpinnings of new markets for global cellular communication. The case investigated is that of so-called third generation mobile communications, involving advanced multimedia and Internet access. The article explores how the main actors at the outset, used the process of standardization to strategically strengthen their respective market positions, and how standardization wars spread from the level of firms to government and supra-governmental organizations. Using the conflict between Ericsson and Qualcomm in the area of air radio interface standards as a key example, the article shows how the actors, because of institutional conditions and pressures, were reconciled and moved towards collaborative patterns of behavior, supporting a ''family'' of compatible standards.

The Dynamics of Standardization: Three Perspectives on Standards in Organization Studies

“…However, greater participation often reduces the efficiency of the standard-setting process as it becomes more difficult to reach consensus (Tamm Hallström, 2008). Partly because of the need to strike a balance between efficiency and a high degree of participation, standardisation organisations vary in form and change their relationship with other organisations over time (Glimstedt, 2001). In order to produce standards quickly, such organisations would have to limit participation in the process of standard-setting to a few parties or parties with similar interests and ideas -in extreme cases, to a single expert.…”

Public procurement and innovation: towards a taxonomy

“…ETSI (European Telecommunications Standards Institute) and other regional standards development organizations (SDOs) have provided "important epistemic communities" (Humphreys & Simpson, 2005, p. 48) for "user-led" standards development (Hawkins, 1995, p. 29). Nevertheless, 'standards-led' EC competitive strategy faltered by the late 1990s (Glimstedt, 2001;Humphreys & Simpson, 2005) -as did EC procurement policies that advantaged European vendors by requiring reference to European standards developed by ETSI and other EC-recognized SDOs (Bekkers, 2001). Although the EC has more recently moved towards "technologically neutral" telecommunications public supply contracts, past policies and their effects on infrastructure investment have continued to induce strong bias in technological choices made in procurement (Bekkers, 2001, pp.…”

Technological-level evaluation using patent statistics: model and application in mobile communications

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