Agility of capability development: The multiple-case study of Ericsson, Google, Microsoft and Nokia

Dynamic capabilities are meant to cope with environmental changes, and since the changes happen more often and speed to market is increasing, then the ability to identify corresponding capabilities quickly is becoming extremely important. This study investigates the agility aspect of capability development in a qualitative setting on the basis of four large information and communication technology companies. Findings support that the existence of a supportive environment in the form of a large capability portfolio and large alliance portfolio are pre-requirements to speed up capability development in contemporary market circumstances.