Title: The dynamics of relational quality in co-development alliances

Authors: Francis Bidault; Alessio Castello

Addresses: European School of Management and Technology, Schlossplatz 1, 10178 – Berlin, Germany; International University of Monaco, 2, avenue Albert II, MC 98000, Monaco ' International University of Monaco, 2, avenue Albert II, MC 98000, Monaco

Abstract: Co-development alliances are a specific form of cooperative arrangements which firms engage in with the intention of creating new products, services or technologies through coordinated efforts and commitment with other organisations. These cooperative agreements have been increasing in numbers over the past few decades. In this article, we discuss the role of relational quality, a construct that has been recognised as affecting the survival and ultimate success of alliances. We argue that relational quality is especially critical in co-development alliances, and propose a model for analysing it, and its drivers, based on a set of retrospective and longitudinal case studies that we conducted. We formulate several research propositions that can be derived from the model presented.

Keywords: co-development; R&D partnerships; cooperative R&D; joint R&D; technology alliances; joint innovation; co-innovation; relational quality; confidence in partners; trust and control.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTM.2019.101268

International Journal of Technology Management, 2019 Vol.81 No.1/2, pp.24 - 50

Accepted: 17 May 2018
Published online: 30 Jul 2019 *

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