Science Research Management ›› 2014, Vol. 35 ›› Issue (10): 49-56.

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Nature of standard-setting alliance: based on comparisons between R&D alliance and patent alliance

Li Wei1,2   

  1. 1. College of Economics and Management, Chongqing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Chongqing 400065, China;
    2. School of Economics and Business Administration, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, China
  • Received:2013-05-15 Revised:2014-03-05 Online:2014-10-25 Published:2014-10-23

Abstract: Based on literature analysis, standard-setting alliance is compared with other two confusing alliance formations - the R&D alliance and the patent alliance, in order to address the nature of standard-setting alliance as well as its critical features, typical problems and the proper ways to solve these problems. It is pointed out that the standard-setting alliance is an alliance portfolio by R&D alliance and patent alliance in the nature, since it always involves two functions simultaneously known as R&D function and production function. This means there are both similarities and differences between these three kinds of alliances. Based on this finding, the typical research questions which have shared research methods with R&D alliance and patent alliance are distinguished. And, we argue that proprietary research modes for standard-setting alliance's specific questions need to be explored from the aspects of alliance portfolio or network.

Key words: standard-setting alliance, R&D alliance, patent alliance, alliance portfolio

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