Prolegomenon zu einer evolutorischen Theorie der Unternehmung

The evolutionary theory of economic change in the predominant version of Nelson and Winter has originally put forward an independent theory of the firm only fragmentary. It rests upon the behavioural theory of the firm and the innovation theories of Marshall and Schumpeter. The object of this paper is at the same time to elaborate on this approach and above all to enlarge it through the resource-based- and beyond that the knowledge-based-theory of the firm. This extension by recent findings of „Business Strategy" renders possible a more active part for firms to gain lasting competitive advantages. Besides that it gives rise to an intended heterogeneity among firms. It also necessarily connects the strengths and weaknesses of an individual firm and the opportunities and threats of its environment.