Silent innovation: corporate strategizing in early nanotechnology evolution

Abstract

Nanotechnology offers a rare opportunity to study the early evolution of a new generic technology in real time. This paper suggests focusing more on the market formation side, rather than technology generation, when seeking to explain technology evolution. Applying an evolutionary capabilities perspective, the paper examines how firms organize innovation in the early embryonic stages of a technology and how the market as a selective device undergoes qualitative change as part of economic evolution. The traditional Danish window chain is used as a case. A model of nanotechnology evolution is proposed which suggests that nanotechnology commercialization is significantly driven by small and medium-sized firms based on their internal knowhow, with larger firms as important suppliers of know how. These smaller firms are adept at addressing social needs which appear to be key factors in the nano-commercialization process. A taxonomy of nine enterprise strategies for entry into nanotechnology is suggested. The paper identifies a marked shift in marketing strategizing among the nanotechnology innovative companies, from being ''loud'' around the turn of the millennium to becoming increasingly ''silent'' at the present time, illustrating the unconsolidated stage of the current nanotechnology market.

Commercialization networks in emerging technologies: the case of UK nanotechnology small and midsize enterprises

“…The study offers insights for research in the domain of nanotechnology as an emerging technology with an enabling, general purpose, science-based and interdisciplinary nature. While much other research focus on the input side of nanotechnology (knowledge and technology generation by studying publications and patents), this study provides insights on the output side, i.e., corporate activities, commercialization strategies, accomplishments, and trajectories, where less investigation has previously been done (Andersen, 2011;Huang et al, 2011;Li et al, 2015). Furthermore, it provides insights about the role of large and small firms in the nanotechnology area and highlights various challenges and uncertainties SMEs face in this domain.…”

“…As prime movers in networks, SMEs can drive technological change and play a central role in commercialization by mediating the process of knowledge transfer from academic science and engineering to industrial application (Genet et al, 2012). Shapira et al (2011Shapira et al ( , 2016 and Andersen (2011) support the view that SMEs can play a significant role in commercialization by establishing partnerships with large incumbent firms. In the case of nanotechnology, Avenel et al, (2007) argue that SMEs are in an advantageous position to use the opportunities created by the convergence of disciplines in this emerging technology.…”

Exploration of capability and role development in an emerging technology network

“…Laredo (2008) and Rothaermel and Thursby (2007) emphasize the important role of incumbent firms in nanotechnology development because of their early involvement in this domain. On the other hand, Shapira and Youtie (2011), Andersen (2011) and OECD (2010) support the view that start-ups also play a significant role in nanotechnology commercialization along with large and established firms.…”

Review of the Application of Nanotechnology for Sustainable Construction Materials

“…These incorporate creating glass with enhanced execution as far as warm protection, solar control (to decrease heat misfortune and manage ventilation), security and safety, imperviousness to fire, the reduction of noise, against reflection, self-cleaning, hostile to scratching, and visual appearance [17]. Incorporating nano-materials in to glass matrices allows for the production of windows with the capability to control how light and heat pass through building walls [18].…”

“…And that these applications may bring about an increment in energy efficiency by conserving building heat energy through a reduction of heat loss, for example, utilizing nano-manufactured low emissivity glass, and reducing energy consumption for ventilation and air-conditioning by restricting solar heat through the usage of solar control and heat absorbing glass. Nanotechnology has been utilized for a long time in the application and production of coatings created to offer features for improved glass performance [17], stemming through trial and error before the emergence of the recent attention given to nanotechnology.…”