Bridging Islands: Boundary Resources in Solution Networks: An Abstract

In solution business, solution providers use boundary resources (i.e. the individuals/boundary spanners who span interorganizational boundaries and the interfaces that help coordinate interfirm relationships) to coordinate their networks. However, due to modularization and digitalization of solution process, these interfaces may have taken over or complemented the functions of boundary spanners. Boundary spanners may also have new functions due to these changes. Thus, this research aims to explore how solution providers can utilize diverse boundary resources simultaneously to orchestrate large and diverse solution networks. A multiple case-study approach studies three companies with digital platforms that orchestrate solution networks in the LED and ICT industries. In this research, 37 semi-structured interviews have been conducted with employees at different levels in the companies and with their customers. Documents and archival records have also been collected and analysed. Thematic analysis has been applied to analyse the data. The research findings reveal the functions of interfaces, which include module providers’ categorization and ranking, module reconfiguration, module standard testing, network communication and responsibility specification. Boundary spanners also develop new functions, including capability examination, resource mobilization, network representation and strategic planning. The functions of interfaces offer the infrastructure for boundary spanners to reconfigure networks. For example, boundary spanners mobilize resources among network members through the supports of interface functions, such as module categorization and ranking as well as network communication. On the other hand, boundary spanners’ function of capability examination complements the interface function of module provider categorization and ranking. Some traditional functions of boundary spanners, such as communication and module reconfiguration, have also been taken over by interfaces. This research contributes to the boundary spanner literature by extending boundary spanners’ functions. It also contributes to the B2B network literature broadly by pointing out the use of boundary resources to orchestrate a large and dynamic network with diverse business partners.