COMPETITIVE DYNAMICS OF TECHNOLOGICAL STANDARDIZATION: THE CASE OF THIRD GENERATION CELLULAR COMMUNICATIONS

This article is concerned with the processes through which technological standards are developed, and how these standards provide the underpinnings of new markets for global cellular communication. The case investigated is that of so-called third generation mobile communications, involving advanced multimedia and Internet access. The article explores how the main actors at the outset, used the process of standardization to strategically strengthen their respective market positions, and how standardization wars spread from the level of firms to government and supra-governmental organizations. Using the conflict between Ericsson and Qualcomm in the area of air radio interface standards as a key example, the article shows how the actors, because of institutional conditions and pressures, were reconciled and moved towards collaborative patterns of behavior, supporting a ''family'' of compatible standards.

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