Paper Type

ERF

Abstract

Mobile app markets are highly competitive, yet little research examines how development processes shape app performance. Drawing on the dynamic capabilities perspective, we distinguish between SDK integration capability (external) and architectural reconfiguration capability (internal). Using longitudinal data from over 651,000 iOS apps, we operationalize these capabilities through observable developer actions. Results show that SDK integration capability is positively associated with app performance, while architectural reconfiguration alone is negatively associated with performance. However, their interaction is positive and significant, suggesting that internal reconfiguration improves performance only when aligned with external resource integration. These findings highlight the importance of aligning internal architectural change with external resource integration in digital platform ecosystems.

Paper Number

1507

Comments

SIG DSPI

Download

Share

COinS
Top 25 Paper Badge
 
Aug 15th, 12:00 AM

When Reconfiguration Hurts: Dynamic Capabilities in Mobile Apps

Mobile app markets are highly competitive, yet little research examines how development processes shape app performance. Drawing on the dynamic capabilities perspective, we distinguish between SDK integration capability (external) and architectural reconfiguration capability (internal). Using longitudinal data from over 651,000 iOS apps, we operationalize these capabilities through observable developer actions. Results show that SDK integration capability is positively associated with app performance, while architectural reconfiguration alone is negatively associated with performance. However, their interaction is positive and significant, suggesting that internal reconfiguration improves performance only when aligned with external resource integration. These findings highlight the importance of aligning internal architectural change with external resource integration in digital platform ecosystems.

When commenting on articles, please be friendly, welcoming, respectful and abide by the AIS eLibrary Discussion Thread Code of Conduct posted here.