Towards a theory of resource creation

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to theorize the phenomenon of resource creation and provide a framework for analyzing it. These days, we can see that some companies (and regions) with poor resource can find out unused-resources and succeed in utilizing them in unique ways. For these phenomenon, existing theories, such as resource based view (RBV) and dynamic capability, can’t provide enough explanation. Firstly, we discuss limitations of existing theories on explaining resource creation. Secondly, from 20 case studies scrutinized, we categorize them into 4 types of resource creation. We found the following process of resource creation; (1) redefining resources, (2) shifting viewpoint to resources, (3)creative combination of resources. Based on the discussion and case studies, we provide a framework for explaining resource creation and some issues that need further consideration.