Skip to main content

How Knowledge-Based Dynamic Capabilities Help to Avoid and Cope with Path Dependencies in the Electric Mobility Sector

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
Evolutionary Paths Towards the Mobility Patterns of the Future

Part of the book series: Lecture Notes in Mobility ((LNMOB))

  • 1593 Accesses

Abstract

Companies involved in the electric mobility sector such as car manufacturers, battery producers or infrastructure providers are confronted with risks of technological and institutional path dependencies and resulting lock-in situations. One approach that might enable these companies to avoid and cope with such lock-ins is the idea of knowledge-based dynamic capabilities. Accordingly, companies need to be able to replicate their organizational resources through knowledge codification and transfer, and to reconfigure their resources through knowledge abstraction and absorption. This chapter reveals exemplary effects that result from such knowledge-based activities on the abilities to maintain or increase their technological and strategic flexibility. Accordingly, companies in the electric mobility sector have e.g. the chance to reduce risks of path dependent developments through transferring their knowledge internally and between each other in order to trigger a combination of knowledge resources, which in turn increase the varieties of their decision alternatives.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 84.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Hardcover Book
USD 109.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

  • Ackermann R (2001) Pfadabhängigkeit, Institutionen und Regelreform, Tübingen

    Google Scholar 

  • Ancori B, Bureth A, Cohendet P (2000) The economics of knowledge: the debate about codification and tacit knowledge. Ind Corp Change 9(2):255–287

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Arthur WB (1989) Competing technologies, increasing returns, and lock-in by historical events. Econ J 99(394):116–131

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Arthur WB (1990) Positive feedbacks in the economy. Sci Am 262(2):92–99

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Barney JB (1991) Firm resources and sustained competitive advantage. J Manage 17(1):99–120

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Barney JB (2002) Gaining and sustaining competitive advantage. Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, NJ

    Google Scholar 

  • Boisot M (1995) Information space: a framework for learning in organizations, institutions and culture. Thomson Learning Emea, London

    Google Scholar 

  • Boisot M (1998) Knowledge assets: securing competitive advantage in the information economy. Oxford University Press, Oxford

    Google Scholar 

  • Bou-Llusar JC, Segarra-Ciprés M (2006) Strategic knowledge transfer and its implications for competitive advantage: an integrative conceptual framework. J Knowl Manage 10(4):100–112

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Brauner G (2008) Infrastrukturen der Elektromobilität. e & i Elektrotechnik und Informationstechnik 125(11):382–386

    Google Scholar 

  • Burmann C (2002) Strategische Flexibilität und Strategiewechsel als Determinanten des Unternehmenswertes. Deutscher Universit? ts Verlag, Wiesbaden

    Google Scholar 

  • Casper S, Whitley R (2004) Managing competences in entrepreneurial technology firms: a comparative institutional analysis of Germany, Sweden and the UK* 1. Res Policy 33(1):89–106

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cohen WM, Levinthal DA (1990) Absorptive capacity: a new perspective on learning and innovation. Adm Sci Quart 35:128–152

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Crossan MM, Bedrow I (2003) Organizational learning and strategic renewal. Strateg Manag J 24(11):1087–1105

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dammenhain K (2012) Chancen der Elektromobilität [Homepage of Automobil Produktion], [Online]. Available: http://www.automobil-produktion.de/2012/02/chancen-der-elektromobilitaet/. Acessed 06 2012

  • David PA (1985) Clio and the economics of QWERTY. Am Econ Rev 75:332–337

    Google Scholar 

  • David PA (1994) Why are institutions the ‘carriers of history’?: path dependence and the evolution of conventions, organizations and institutions. Struct Change Econ Dynam 5:205–220

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dievernich FEP (2007) Pfadabhängigkeit im management: wie Führungsinstrumente zur Entscheidungs- und Innovationsunfähigkeit des managements beitragen, Kohlhammer, Stuttgart

    Google Scholar 

  • Drucker PF (1993) Post-capitalist society. Harper, New York

    Google Scholar 

  • Fosfuri A, Tribó JA (2008) Exploring the antecedents of potential absorptive capacity and its impact on innovation performance. Omega 36(2):173–187

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Freeman RE (1984) Strategic management: a stakeholder approach. Pitman, Boston

    Google Scholar 

  • Freiling J (2004) A competence-based theory of the firm. Int Rev Manage Stud 15:27–52

    Google Scholar 

  • García-Muiña FE, Pelechano-Barahona E, Navas-López JE (2009) Knowledge codification and technological innovation success: empirical evidence from Spanish biotech companies. Technol Forecast Soc Chang 76(1):141

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Göllinger T (1997) Das Innovationspotential der E-Mobility. In: Schriftenreihe: Arbeitspapiere des Instituts für ökologische Betriebswirtschaft Institut für ökologische Betriebswirtschaft e.V., Siegen

    Google Scholar 

  • Grant RM (2002) The knowledge-based view of the firm. In: Choo CW, Bontis N (eds) The strategic management of intellectual capital and organizational knowledge. Oxford University Press, New York, pp 133–148

    Google Scholar 

  • Hedlund G (1994) A model of knowledge management and the N-form corporation. Strateg Manag J 15:73–90

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Jane Zhao Z, Anand J (2009) A multilevel perspective on knowledge transfer: evidence from the Chinese automotive industry. Strateg Manag J 30(9):959–983

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kogut B, Zander U (1992) Knowledge of the firm, combinative capabilities, and the replication of technology. Organ Sci 3(3):383–397

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kusunoki K, Nonaka I, Nagata A (1998) Organizational capabilities in product development of Japanese firms: a conceptual framework and empirical findings. Organ Sci 9(6):699–718

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Liebowitz SJ, Margolis SE (1995) Path dependence, lock-in, and history. J Law Econ Organ 11(1):205–226

    Google Scholar 

  • Nahapiet J, Ghoshal S (1998) Social capital, intellectual capital, and the organizational advantage. Acad Manage Rev 23(2):242–266

    Google Scholar 

  • Nonaka I, Mader F, Takeuchi H (1997) Die organisation des Wissens : wie japanische Unternehmen eine brachliegende Ressource nutzbar machen, Campus-Verl., Frankfurt/Main [u.a.]

    Google Scholar 

  • O’Reilly CA, Tushman ML (2008) Ambidexterity as a dynamic capability: resolving the innovator’s dilemma. Stanford University Graduate School Of Business research paper no. 1963, vol 28. Available at SSRN: http://ssrn.com/abstract=978493. pp 185–206

  • Pehnt M, Helms H, Lambrecht U, Dallinger D, Wietschel M, Heinrichs H, Kohrs R, Link J, Trommer S, Pollok T (2011) Elektroautos in einer von erneuerbaren Energien geprägten Energiewirtschaft. Zeitschrift für Energiewirtschaft, pp 1–14

    Google Scholar 

  • Penrose ET (1959) The theory of the growth of the firm. Blackwell, Oxford

    Google Scholar 

  • Porter ME (1999) Wettbewerbsstrategie : Methoden zur Analyse von Branchen und Konkurrenten = (Competitive strategy), 10., durchges. und erw. Aufl edn, Campus-Verl., Frankfurt/Main [u.a]

    Google Scholar 

  • Prahalad CK, Hamel G (1990) The core competence of the corporation. Harvard Bus Rev 68(3):79–91

    Google Scholar 

  • Quinn JB (1992) The intelligent enterprise a new paradigm. The Executive 6(4):48–63

    Article  MathSciNet  Google Scholar 

  • Sammer G, Stark J, Link C (2011) Einflussfaktoren auf die Nachfrage nach Elektroautos. e & i Elektrotechnik und Informationstechnik 128(1):22–27

    Google Scholar 

  • Sanchez R (2004) Understanding competence-based management—identifying and managing five modes of competence. J Bus Res 57(5):518–532

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Schäcke M (2006) Pfadabhängigkeit in Organisationen—Ursache für Widerstände bei Reorganisationsprojekten, Duncker & Humblot, Berlin

    Google Scholar 

  • Schreyögg G, Kliesch-Eberl M (2007) How dynamic can organizational capabilities be? Towards a dual-process model of capability dynamization. Strateg Manag J 28(9):913

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Schreyögg G, Sydow J, Koch J (2003) Organisatorische Pfade—Von der Pfadabhängigkeit zur Pfadkreation. In: Schreyögg G, Sydow J (eds) Strategische Prozesse und Pfade. Gabler Verlag, Wiesbaden, pp 257–294

    Google Scholar 

  • Selznick P (1957) Leadership in administration: a sociological interpretation. Harper, Row, New York

    Google Scholar 

  • Spender JC, Grant RM (1996) Knowledge and the firm: overview. Strateg Manag J 17:5–9

    Google Scholar 

  • Szulanski G (1996) Exploring internal stickiness: impediments to the transfer of best practice within the firm. Strateg Manag J 17:27–43

    Google Scholar 

  • Szulanski G (2000) The process of knowledge transfer: a diachronic analysis of stickiness. Organ Behav Hum Decis Process 82(1):9–27

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Teece DJ (1981) The market for know-how and the efficient international transfer of technology. Ann Am Acad Polit Soc Sci 458:81–96

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Teece DJ, Pisano G (1994) The dynamic capabilities of firms: an introduction. Ind Corp Change 3(3):537–556

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Teece DJ, Pisano G, Shuen A (1997) Dynamic capabilities and strategic management. Strateg Manag J 18(7):509–533

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Van Driel H, Dolfsma W (2009) Path dependence, initial conditions, and routines in organizations: the Toyota production system re-examined. J Organ Change Manage 22(1):49–72

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Vera D, Crossan M (2005) Improvisation and innovative performance in teams. Organ Sci 16(3):203–224

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wallentowitz H, Freialdenhoven A (2011) Treiber für Veränderungen. Strategien zur Elektrifizierung des Antriebsstranges, pp 3–37

    Google Scholar 

  • Wernerfelt B (1984) A resource based view of the firm. Strateg Manag J 5(5):171–180

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zahra SA, George G (2002) Absorptive capacity: a review, reconceptualization, and extension. Acad Manage Rev 27(2):185–203

    Google Scholar 

  • Zollo M, Winter SG (2002) Deliberate learning and the evolution of dynamic capabilities. Organ Sci 13(3):339–351

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgments

This research was supported by the Federal Ministry of Transport, Building and Urban Development in the context of the ‘Model Regions Electric Mobility’.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Philip Cordes .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2014 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Cordes, P., Hülsmann, M. (2014). How Knowledge-Based Dynamic Capabilities Help to Avoid and Cope with Path Dependencies in the Electric Mobility Sector. In: Hülsmann, M., Fornahl, D. (eds) Evolutionary Paths Towards the Mobility Patterns of the Future. Lecture Notes in Mobility. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-37558-3_11

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-37558-3_11

  • Published:

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-642-37557-6

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-642-37558-3

  • eBook Packages: EngineeringEngineering (R0)

Publish with us

Policies and ethics