Evolution of competence in software subcontracting projects

Abstract This paper addresses the evolution of competence in contractual software development projects based on the findings of two case studies, where the skills of a software subcontractor were made explicit and their change during the past 14 years was analysed. Competence evolution is crucial for software subcontractors, not only to stay in the market as professional service firms, but to build the assets needed for being able to offer service products. This requires a relationship-based view to competence creation and management, which has not been emphasised in the literature.