Core Viewpoint - Companies should prioritize launching new products, services, and technologies to gain first-mover advantages, which can create favorable competitive conditions and strategic advantages in the market [2][3]. Group 1: Importance of First-Mover Advantage - The digital transformation is reshaping traditional competitive dynamics, impacting both incumbent and new entrants in the market [3]. - Incumbent companies have established customer bases and stable profits, while new entrants struggle to gain market share [3]. - The Matthew Effect indicates that larger companies can create significant competitive barriers through digital capabilities, leading to rapid expansion and reinforcing their market position [3][4]. - Gaining first-mover advantages in niche and long-tail markets is essential for both new entrants and smaller incumbents to secure competitive positions [5]. Group 2: Strategic Shift from Adaptation to Shaping - Companies can actively influence their competitive environment rather than merely adapting to it, allowing for the creation of favorable conditions for their competitive advantages [5][6]. - The focus should be on proactive strategies that guide industry segments in beneficial directions, ensuring sustained competitive advantages [5][6]. Group 3: Transition from First-Mover to First-Launch - The rapid pace of technological and industrial change has made traditional competitive advantages less relevant, necessitating a focus on temporary competitive advantages [7]. - The speed of strategic decision-making and execution is critical in maintaining competitive positions, making first-launch advantages more relevant than first-mover advantages [7]. Group 4: Capabilities for Gaining First-Launch Advantage - Implementing first-launch strategies can create temporary competitive advantages, while ongoing execution can lead to sustainable competitive barriers [8]. - Key capabilities include: - **Preemptive Capability**: Understanding where to achieve first-launch and translating visions into actionable goals [9][10]. - **Dynamic Capability**: Adapting strategies in real-time to align with market perceptions of first-launch [11]. - **Core Capability**: Efficiently executing strategies to meet first-launch requirements, focusing on technology, market, and supply chain capabilities [12]. Group 5: Types of First-Launch Strategies - First-launch strategies can be categorized into three types: - **Technological First-Launch**: Focused on innovative technologies that disrupt existing paradigms [13][14]. - **Market First-Launch**: Involves creating new business models and market segments [16][17]. - **Social First-Launch**: Aims at enhancing social value and addressing societal issues to build legitimacy [18][19]. Group 6: Decision-Making Process for First-Launch Strategies - The decision-making process involves analyzing market conditions and innovation capabilities, followed by strategy formulation and evaluation using the PDCA cycle [20][22]. - Companies should consider their market position and innovation strength when developing first-launch strategies [23]. Group 7: Key Points for Implementing First-Launch Strategies - **Identify Scene Needs**: Understanding user recognition of first-launch is crucial for converting it into competitive advantages [31]. - **Maintain Strategic Rhythm**: The coherence and timing of strategic actions are essential for achieving competitive advantages [32]. - **Adapt to Local Conditions**: Companies must consider the specific characteristics of their industry and market environment when implementing strategies [33]. - **Enhance Design Thinking**: A user-centered approach in strategy design is vital to avoid potential pitfalls associated with first-launch initiatives [34].