#14 IP Management as a Dynamic Capability: The example of Airbus vs. Boeing

This episode investigates the patent application strategies of Airbus and Boeing, exploring how their approaches evolved over two decades. It proposes a three-phase model: passive, aggressive, and sophisticated, aligning these phases with the theoretical framework of dynamic capabilities in strategic management. The underlying study uses patent data to empirically test this model, revealing that while both companies broadly followed the proposed pattern, their specific paths differed due to competitive pressures and organisational factors. The findings support the integration of intellectual property management and dynamic capabilities theories within strategic management. Ultimately, the research highlights the complex interplay between internal firm dynamics, external competition, and the evolution of intellectual property strategies.