Robert Burgelman on Strategy Making Intel and Resource Allocation

The Innovation Show

In this episode of the 'Hours of Bower' series, sponsored by Kyndryl, we delve into Chapter 3 of 'From Resource Allocation to Strategy' with Professor Robert Burgelman.

The discussion centers around a revolutionary view of corporate strategy using Intel Corporation’s transformation over several decades. Professor Burgelman reframes strategy as an emergent and evolving organizational capability, influenced by Intel’s shift from focusing on DRAMs to microprocessors. Key topics include the intricate relationship between top-down planning and emergent strategies, the role of internal and external selection environments, and the concept of strategic dissonance explained through examples from Intel’s history. Join host Aidan and Professor Burgelman as they explore how strategic leadership and innovation can coalesce to drive corporate success in a competitive business landscape.

00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Message

00:30 Overview of Today's Episode

01:50 Guest Introduction: Professor Robert Burgelman

02:21 Early Career and Influences

04:07 Collaboration with Joe Bower

07:11 Intel's Strategic Shift

09:27 Andy Grove and Strategic Dissonance

19:35 Framework for Strategic Leadership

33:32 The Importance of Aligning Actions with Strategy

34:25 Intel's Strategic Shifts and Missed Opportunities

35:35 The Dangers of Dominance in an Industry

37:47 Disruptive Innovation and Strategic Inertia

51:04 Balancing Induced and Autonomous Strategy Processes

52:51 Organizational Ecology and Internal Selection

59:22 HP's Strategic Evolution and Corporate Splits

01:04:12 Conclusion and Final Thoughts