The Historical Evolution of Dynamic Capabilities: From Resource Reconfiguration to Strategic Orchestration
BRG is home to renowned thought leaders and experts considered authorities in their fields of work. Our timely research and perspectives provide analysis and insights on the most important issues facing the industries and organizations we serve.
Dynamic capabilities (DCs) have evolved from a theory focused on resource reconfiguration into a broader framework to understand how organizations navigate uncertainty, orchestrate ecosystems, and shape competitive environments.
Matteo Cristofaro, Pier Luigi Giardino, and David Teece trace this evolution through a review of 140 influential publications from 1997 to 2026, identifying five distinct phases in the development of the field and introducing a compelling reconceptualization of DCs.
The authors discuss artificial intelligence, ecosystem governance, resilience, and foresight, highlighting how competitive advantage increasingly depends on adapting to change and helping shape the future.
Related Professionals
Prepare for what's next.
ThinkSet magazine, a BRG publication, provides nuanced, multifaceted thinking and expert guidance that help today’s business leaders adopt a more strategic, long-term mindset to prepare for what’s next.