Addressing the Challenges of Industrial Transition Processes – the Case of Photovoltaics Industry

Abstract

The aim of the article is to explore the managerial practices that enable capitalizing on the critical instability during an on-going transition period in the life-cycle of an industry. The investigation followed a qualitative approach using a field-based case study method and a longitudinal design. Multiple data collection methods were adopted to reduce a systematic bias in the gathered data and to develop the case, shaped by the context and emergent data. The gathered rich data enabled the confrontation of industry transformation signals with the strategic maneuvering exhibited by the investigated firm. Observed options involved imitating, repositioning, exiting or entering. The study is a part of a larger project financed by National Science Centre of Poland (NCN) – 2013/11/D/HS4/03965. JEL: E00, E02 null The creation of the English-language version of these publications is financed in the framework of contract No. 607/P-DUN/2018 by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education committed to activities aimed at the promotion of education.

Keywords

• industry life-cycle
• industrial transition
• photovoltaics
• strategic positioning
• value capture
• value appropriation