Mechanisms and Effects of Co-evolution in Strategic Alliance: Multi-theory Interpretation Based on Biological Evolution's Metaphor

Abstract

Abstract:

In order to reveal the mechanisms and effects of co-evolution in strategic alliance, this study uses the dichotomy view to combine Neo-Darwinism and Lamarckism from biological evolution theory and makes metaphor. Based on element selection, scenario process and population structure, co-evolutionary mechanisms of strategic alliance are interpreted, and both natural-selection-mechanism-driven and evolutionary-element-driven co-evolutionary effects are discussed. Results of research show that, co-evolution of strategic alliance occurs in parallel or crossover among individuals, dual elements and colonial elements, so that relationships such as supply chain and competition and collaboration in strategic alliance are constructed by the interaction and connection from elements of different levels. Stemmed from coexistence and synthesis role in contract as well as non-contract situation, there is mutation in the co-evolutionary path, and breaking is decided by social relation intensity in strategic alliance, so that the whole alliance can spontaneously co-evolve to a new stable state without external forces. Supplier will determine the evolutionary equilibrium in the cross-over supply-demand structure. Focal firms that occupy the structure hole are more important in the borderless network structure with multi-connection of co-evolution, and firms in alliance have higher integration level in the co-evolution process. The occurrence of adaptation is the evolution of Neo-Darwinism, which is uncertain, random and uncontrollable. Correspondingly, the copy and revolution of adaptation is more Lamarckian and has the characteristics of inherited acquisitions, subjective initiative and predictability. The direction of co-evolution is affected by the environment and the driving force of evolution lies in the learning process among firms in the alliance, and the co-evolutionary result can change the environment.

Key words: strategic alliance, co-evolution, biological evolution, mechanism, effect

Zhao Jianyu, Wang Tienan. Mechanisms and Effects of Co-evolution in Strategic Alliance: Multi-theory Interpretation Based on Biological Evolution's Metaphor[J]. , 2018, 30(8): 194-207.

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