Network Advantage: How to Unlock Value From Your Alliances and Partnerships

Chapter Four

The Second-Degree Perspective: Understanding the Alliance Portfolio Configurations that Deliver Network Advantage

When the devastating earthquake and tsunami struck Japan on March 11, 2011, the production facilities of Renesas Electronics in Naka town were hit hard. This major producer of microchips for the auto industry relies on “clean rooms” with completely sterile and dust-free conditions, but the earthquake cracked walls and ceilings, filled the building with dust and debris, and caused its production equipment to lose alignment. Thankfully, Renesas Electronics had strong alliances with its customers—the automakers. Even though its customers had intense rivalries and were in an industry that has traditionally thrived on pitting ...