Evolution of alliance networks and resources of firms in telecommunications and information technology industries

Informed by the resource-based view of the firm and the strategic network theory, this thesis describes seven cases studies from the information technology and telecommunications industries. Proposed hypotheses cover three research questions on the dynamic aspects of the mentioned theoretical frameworks: Evolution of alliance networks, resource exchange and combination as well as implications of alliance networks for the competitive advantage of the firm.16 hypotheses are derived from these seven cases studies and are combined into one framework. This framework is later compared with theoretical concepts from the resource-based view of the firm and the strategic network theory. The joint theoretical model and the derived hypotheses allow an outlook on recommendations for managerial practice.