Interfirm Collaboration in the Shipbuilding Industry: The Shipbuilding Cycle Perspective

Abstract

This paper investigates the interfirm cooperative strategies of shipbuilding firms. The paper aims to understand the system nature and dynamics of interfirm cooperative strategies adopted by firms in the shipbuilding industry related to the phase of the shipbuilding cycle. A theory building approach from case studies is applied in this study. The study is based on interviews with managers of the Norwegian, Danish Polish, and Ukrainian shipbuilding firms. In addition, secondary data were collected. Issues relating to the aims of joining cooperative agreements; resources and competences which the shipbuilding firms and their collaborators contribute to joint ventures, strategic alliances, and other collaborative arrangements; and how collaborative strategies were related to the phase of the shipbuilding cycle were explored. Implications for further research, practitioners, and policy-makers are provided.

Keywords: shipbuilding, the shipbuilding cycle theory, interfirm cooperation, cooperative strategy, systems.

JEL Classification: M10, M21