Tesla vs. Nio – And Why First Mover Advantage in Tech Can Suck. (Jeff’s Asia Tech Class – Podcast 60)

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This week’s podcast is on Tesla vs. Nio and why first mover advantage is not as awesome as everyone thinks. At least not in tech.

 

You can listen to this podcast here or at iTunes, Google Podcasts and Himalaya.

Advantages of first mover in tech can include:

  • Bigger advantages:
    • Temporary supply-demand imbalance
    • Increasing returns to scale
    • Switching costs
    • Network effects
    • Learning effects
  • Smaller advantages:
    • Brand loyalty
    • Technological leadership
    • Scarce assets in tech

Disadvantages of first mover in tech can include:

  • High failure rate
  • R&D expenses on successful and unsuccessful tech.
  • Cost of building production processes and complementary goods not available in the market
  • Cost and difficulty of developing suppliers and distribution channels.
  • Cost and difficulty of building consumer awareness and education
  • Availability of enabling technologies and infrastructure
  • Uncertainty of customer requirements

Related podcasts and articles:

Concepts for this class.

  • Increasing Returns to Tech Adoption
  • First Mover Advantages and Disadvantages.
  • Path Dependency
  • Resource Based Competition
  • Core Competency
  • Supply-Demand Imbalance

Companies for this class:

  • Tesla
  • Nio
This is part of Learning Goals: Level 7, with a focus on:
  • #32: Innovation, Adaptation and Resilience as Competitive Strategy

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I write, speak and consult about how to win (and not lose) in digital strategy and transformation.

I am the founder of TechMoat Consulting, a boutique consulting firm that helps retailers, brands, and technology companies exploit digital change to grow faster, innovate better and build digital moats. Get in touch here.

My book series Moats and Marathons is one-of-a-kind framework for building and measuring competitive advantages in digital businesses.

This content (articles, podcasts, website info) is not investment, legal or tax advice. The information and opinions from me and any guests may be incorrect. The numbers and information may be wrong. The views expressed may no longer be relevant or accurate. This is not investment advice. Investing is risky. Do your own research.

Photo by Brecht Denil on Unsplash

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