Nagle, Frank →

How to Get Companies to Make Investments That Benefit Everyone

Want more organizations to give back to their communities? Frank Nagle says the success of open source software offers an innovative—and unexpected—roadmap for social good. Open for comment; 0 Comments.

Transaction Cost Economics in the Digital Economy: A Research Agenda

The increasing dominance of the digital economy has brought new questions about the interplay of organizations and the market-based ecosystem. Transaction Cost Economics theory is a useful lens to understand firm organization and possibly guide policy and regulation.

Open Source Software and Global Entrepreneurship

Does more activity in open source software development lead to increased entrepreneurial activity and, if so, how much, and in what direction? This study measures how participation on the GitHub open source platform affects the founding of new ventures globally.

The Hidden Vulnerabilities of Open Source Software

The increasing use of open source software in most commercial apps has revolutionized software development—but also created hidden vulnerabilities, say Frank Nagle and Jenny Hoffman. Open for comment; 0 Comments.

6 Ways That Emerging Technology Is Disrupting Business Strategy

How are AI, data analytics, and the Internet of Things changing the way business leaders think about strategy? Harvard Business School faculty members discuss how emerging technology has changed the rules of competition. Open for comment; 0 Comments.

The Business Case for Becoming a Jack-of-All-Trades

New research by Frank Nagle and Florenta Teodoridis shows that a jack-of-all-trades may be better equipped than a specialist to jump on novel knowledge. Open for comment; 0 Comments.

Why Do User Communities Matter for Strategy?

Communities of users are shaping the industrial landscape and contributing to the innovations we use every day. The effects of user communities on firms, industries, and society will continue to grow. This article discusses the relationship between user communities and firms to shed light on avenues for future research in business strategy.

The Powerful Strategic Tool Companies Should Not Try to Control

3QUESTIONS More executives are tapping user communities for strategic guidance, but productive relationships with fan groups require a nuanced approach, Frank Nagle says. Open for comment; 0 Comments.

Government Technology Policy, Social Value, and National Competitiveness

This study examines the impact of a French law requiring government agencies to favor open source software (OSS) over proprietary software in technology procurement processes. Results suggest a cost-effective policy lever that countries can use to both create global social value and increase their own national competitiveness.

Managed Ecosystems and Translucent Institutional Logics: Engaging Communities

Organizations increasingly rely on engagement with external communities of contributors. This paper explores transitions to a managed-ecosystem governance mode and its implications for strategy and innovation. To be successful, firms must develop the capabilities to shepherd communities, leverage without exploiting them, and share intellectual property rights.

The Digital Commons: Tragedy or Opportunity? A Reflection on the 50th Anniversary of Hardin’s Tragedy of the Commons

Garrett Hardin’s Science article “The Tragedy of the Commons” 50 years ago focused on a physical world where common goods are finite and rivalrous. By contrast, this paper explores the digital commons, calling for better understanding of its long-term impact and for government policies supporting benefits while mitigating costs.

The Hidden Benefit of Giving Back to Open Source Software

Firms that allow their software programmers to "give back" to the open source community on company time gain benefits—even though competitors might benefit too, says Frank Nagle. Open for comment; 0 Comments.