This dissertation includes three studies probing into different aspects of changing firm boundaries:
Study 1 focuses on the interaction of vertical firm boundaries and innovation. The study approaches the research questions via a complex systems' perspective and explores the theoretical propositions via expert interviews in the context of the telecommunications industry.
Study 2 examines how companies choose acquisition targets when they seek to grow horizontally via mergers and acquisitions. It includes an empirical analysis of acquisitions in the global mobile telecommunications operator industry.
Study 3 analyzes governance mechanisms in the area of new venture creation. The study features a detailed case study of the German incubator ÒRocket Internet which pursues a quite industrialized approach to new venture creation. Chances and limitations of this approach and its transferability to other contexts are discussed.