Technological innovation is one of the most important sources of corporate and industrial growth. Yet, we know notably little of the relationship between innovation and economic change. Knowledge about the interaction between technological innovation and social action is suggested to be essential in the formulation of public and business policies concerning technological development. In this dissertation technological innovation is set into the context of industrial networks, here perceived as technological systems and networks of exchange relationships. The focus is upon the emergence of a technological system, digital image technology, and evolution of new patterns of interaction between actors, research organizations, established firms, new ventures and public institutions developing, producing, applying and promoting the new technology. The study of the development of digital image technology in Sweden between 1965 and 1989 shows that the emergence and the evolution of new industrial networks can be treated as three parallel processes; genesis – identification, coalescence – legitimation and dissemination – adaption, each dominating in different periods of time. Quantitative network analysis of the emerging patterns of interaction is used to analyze the changing structure of the Swedish image processing network resulting from these three evolutionary processes. The analysis reinforces the proposed framework for the understanding of the emergence of an industrial network.

This dissertation focuses on strategy formation of firms as it unfolds over time and in context. The research questions are defined to take into account the complexity of this phenomenon, in that the themes emanating address the involved structures, processes and managerial agency as the roles and influences of managers.A "semi-deductive" methodology is introduced in order to make use of the richness of theories that pertain to the research questions. The logic behind this conduct is to first construct an interdisciplinary interpretation system based on a thematic bridging of theoretical texts. In a second stage of creating knowledge, the themes are not only retained but also extended by virtue of empirical texts. A case study covers both the organizational and sectorial level of analysis during a period of six years; thus including all the competing firms within an industry, as well as the broader context in which these companies operated. The individual level is represented by the top management groups of all firms. On both theoretical and empirical grounds, a socio-cognitive perspective emerges in which an emphasis is placed on the reciprocity between individuals as acting subjects and their social contexts. The interaction is seen as the linkage that binds actors, structures and processes. Strategy formation of the firm is uncovered as a process of structuration encapsulating distinguishable structures, interaction processes and actors. The managerial role of coupling interactions is featured. The influence of managers is discussed in terms of a freedom of interpretation and a freedom of physical action. This study carries empirical as well as theoretical implications for several research fields such as industrial evolution, the management of strategic change and the theory of the firm in general. Here, the socio-cognitive framework generated may serve as a basis for uniting individual and social aspects. The "semi-deductive" methodology may also find a broad field of application. / <p>Diss. Stockholm : Handelshögskolan, 1993</p>

In this thesis, the need for the step by step transformation of industry towards sustainability is emphasized. This work involves looking at the Olive Oil Industry (OOI) from a systems perspective through the lens of Strategic Sustainable Development (SSD) and applying backcasting from a principled view of socio-ecological sustainability. A specific project is also looked at, the Integrated Waste Management Project (IWMP), which aims at contributing to the sustainability of this particular industry. The OOI was analysed through the ABCD methodology, a tool used in planning for SSD, and measures were drawn up to guide the industry’s transformation. Following this analysis, the IWMP was examined within the context and results of the OOI research. Overall, the industry is transitioning and the IWMP is a good opportunity and contributor to the evolution of the Olive Oil Industry towards sustainability. At the same time, OOI and other industries would benefit greatly from embracing a systems perspective and a strategic approach for sustainable development.