R&D partner selection in ICT industry associated with platform technology dominance

In information and communication technology (ICT) areas, dominated platform technologies give significant influences on customer's purchase decision. Therefore, the success of ICT product/service depends on platform technologies. Eventually firms having accumulated knowledge about platform technologies would be preferred as R&D partners according to strategic behaviour theory. We utilise an adaptive conjoint analysis to determine the relative importance of various attributes representing platform technology dominance. The results derived from the preferences of R&D managers show that the network externalities are the most important attribute in selecting the R&D partner. Moreover, the significance of increasing returns to adoption, attracting complementary suppliers and building an early lead follow in the order as mentioned.