Strategic Reconfigurations

Book excerpt: In a world of ever increasing talent and ever more rapid creation of new knowledge, and in a world that is growing in complexity by the day, it is truly intriguing to learn of capabilities for success and failure in rapid innovation-based industries. The fusion of academic concepts and empirical insights make this book a source of inspiration for inquiring managers. Norbert Walter, Chief Economist of Deutsche Bank and CEO of Deutsche Bank Research, Germany This volume represents a most welcome and important contribution to the emergent and fast-growing dynamic capabilities view (DCV) of the firm and sustainable competitive advantage. It simultaneously helps to assess critically, integrate with a wide range of other perspectives, broaden the scope, and deepen the conceptual foundations of the DCV. In addition and importantly, it links DCV to, and contrasts it with, managerial practice. The authors dispassionate approach is a further plus. The editors have done an excellent job and should be congratulated for this work that should be a must-read. Christos Pitelis, Reader in International Business and Competitiveness, University of Cambridge, UK This path-breaking book provides unique insights into the organisational realities of strategic reconfigurations in uncertain markets, thus advancing the dynamic capability perspective. Dynamic capabilities continue to excite academics. It is a perspective that promises explanations of competitive advantage, but its full potential remains somewhat hidden behind abstract notions. This eloquent volume seeks to overcome the challenge by combining the theory and practice of organisational resource configurations. Joint contributions by expert academics and business executives demystify, but also confirm, elements of the theory. Thus, the book integrates dynamic capabilities with organisational realities as well as with adjacent theories of strategic innovation and entrepreneurship. Strategic Reconfigurations provides a guide to strategic management in turbulent times, for students, researchers, and professionals alike. Business executives in high-velocity markets will find the book invaluable.