A Process Study of Inter-Firm Relationships : Exploration, Exploitation, and Emergent Ambidexterity

Inter-firm relationships are governed by formal and relational mechanisms, which evolve over time. However, prior research has, so far, largely neglected the outcomes of these evolutionary processes. Based on an in-depth qualitative study of four cooperative new product development projects, we provide empirical insights how formal and relational governance aspects develop differently in vertical and horizontal inter-firm relationships and what knowledge processes they trigger over time. Based on these insights, we derive a process model of emergent ambidexterity in inter-firm relationships, which further allows us to contribute a refined understanding on how ambidexterity manifests itself in large organizations.