This study focuses on the role of intrinsic speed capabilities, which refer to the ability to execute investment projects faster than competitors, in the attractiveness and selection of alliance partners. We predict that intrinsically faster firms have a higher likelihood of being selected as alliance partners due to the potential of accelerating the realization of future revenue streams of an alliance project as well as of preempting slower competitors. We also expect that intrinsic speed capabilities substitute for deficiencies in alliance experience and firm innovativeness. Using data on construction projects in the global Liquefied Natural Gas industry, we find empirical support for our theoretical expectations. Our results suggest that firm speed plays an important role in alliance partner selection and has the potential to facilitate the generation of future growth options for firms due to greater partner attractiveness in the market for alliance partners.

本研究侧重于内在速度能力的作用，内在速度能力是指比竞争对手更快地执行投资项目的能力，在联盟伙伴的吸引力和选择中的作用。我们预测，由于加速实现联盟项目未来收入流以及抢占速度较慢的竞争对手的潜力，本质上速度较快的公司更有可能被选为联盟合作伙伴。我们还期望内在的速度能力替代联盟经验和企业创新的不足。使用全球液化天然气行业建设项目的数据，我们为我们的理论预期找到了实证支持。