Title: Technological change and performance deterioration of mobile phone suppliers

Authors: Olli-Pekka Hilmola

Addresses: Lappeenranta University of Technology, Kouvola Research Unit, Prikaatintie 9, FIN-45100 Kouvola, Finland

Abstract: Currently Apple is seen as a solid performer in high tech sector, but its success formation has been rapid, and built through high end smart phones. However, earlier examples from mobile sector dominant actors do show that this comes together with considerable downside risk. Typically negative spiral is triggered by new technological generation inauguration, and the inability of leading supplier to fully see underlying potential of it. End result is suddenly lost of shareholder value (-50 to -70%) for dominant actor, which is followed by real operational performance deterioration with some years time (first decline in sales prices, followed with a time lag in shipment volume). Our three previous success cases (Benefon, Nokia and RIM) show that in the end valuation of companies is only small fraction of what it was in the peak.

Keywords: mobile phones; cell phones; trajectories; sales price; time lag; shipment volume; market value; technological change; performance deterioration; mobile phone suppliers.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTIP.2012.051780

International Journal of Technology Intelligence and Planning, 2012 Vol.8 No.4, pp.374 - 388

Published online: 30 Jan 2013 *

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