The purposes of this study are to identify the salient characteristics and process in conducting strategic technological alliance (STA) and to give the practical implications to firms in implementing STA.
Based on the proposed research model and propositions, case studies were carried out at the firm and project levels. Specifically, 51 cases were analyzed to identify the characteristics of STA at the firm level, while 6 in-depth case studies were undertaken to identify major activities and influencing factors of each stage in the process of STA at the project level.
First of all, three types of STA implementing areas were identified according to the characteristics of target technology and the application area of the technology, such as ; (a) existing product improvement type, (b) new product launch type, and (c) pre-competitive technology acquisition type. The major results of this study show that characteristics of STA such as the motive, technology flow, key actors, and criteria of partner selection of STA were different according to types of STA implementing areas.
As a second part of the study, the preliminary process model of STA was derived from literature review. The model consists of four stages such as decision stage, internal preparation stage, negotiation stage and contract stage. Based on the case study and in-depth interviews with managers who participated in STA formations, the contents of decision on STA, influencing factors of decision making and major activities of along the stage were identified. The model was extended based on the results of analysis and final hypotheses were generated for further research.
As a last part of this study, some guidelines for successful STA decisions and negotiations were suggested. The results can not be necessarily generalized in other countries and comparative studies with other countries are required at the statistical basis.
