Swift and Smart : The Moderating Effects of Technological Capabilities on the Market Pioneering - Firm Survival Relationship

We extend the concept of first mover advantage to the context of high-technology industries with multiple product generations, and propose that the notion of first mover advantage needs to be viewed not only through a dynamic lens, but also in conjunction with technological capability. Our main finding is that first mover advantages are contingent upon the magnitude of the firm's technological capabilities; early entry is beneficial only for pioneers that are technically strong. However, pioneers that are low on technological capabilities suffered from poor survival rates vis-agrave;-vis market responders or non-entrants into new product generations