An integration of the resource based view and the real options Theory for Investiments in Outside Opportunities

There is a growing trend by established firms to use a multitude of External Corporate Venturing (ECV) mechanisms to acquire external innovations. In this paper, we develop a framework within which firms choose ECV mechanisms that are best aligned with characteristics of the external opportunity and the firm’s internal capabilities. Our approach integrates the Resource-based View of the firm with Real Options theory and draws on insights derived from interviews with managers