How do new technology based firms gain legitimacy globally using standards creation processes?

Abstract

To achieve growth new firms need access to resources and capabilities. Hence, firms engage in the process of seeking and obtaining legitimacy in international forums to get access to resources needed for growth. Cooperating with large international established firms enables them to access development activities and substitute their research and development efforts. Through the case study research methodology and using the theoretical lens of actor network theory we show how start-up firms that participated in the standard creation gained legitimacy in a sociotechnical system that spans multiple countries and regions. We also study the implications for technology entrepreneurship.