How industry associations suppress threatening innovation: the case of the US recording industry

Abstract

This research examines how associations influence industry conditions in order to further member interests. We demonstrate that, when threatened by technological change, associations will attempt to shape industry conditions in order to suppress the adoption of threatening practices or policies. We propose that they do so by engaging in a multidimensional framework of influence directed towards public institutions. Their actions include agenda setting and influencing public policy to further member interests. Our framework is illustrated with actions taken in the USA by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) in response to peer-to-peer file sharing technology and its use in the transfer of copyrighted music files.

Keywords:

• industry associations
• technological innovation

Acknowledgements

This research was supported by the James Madison University Center for Entrepreneurship.

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