Individual Success in Standard-Setting Organizations Through Collaboration Networks

Recent geopolitical rivalries in technological development have intensified interest in understanding the roles of individual members within standard-setting organizations (SSOs). While prior research emphasizes social capital and affiliations in SSOs, few studies examine the innovation performance of individuals through standard publication. Using longitudinal coauthorship data from the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) between 2010 and 2019, this study investigates how collaboration strategies and structural social capital influence success in standard publication. Our fixed-effects model reveals an inverted U-shaped relationship between collaboration network size and publication success. Furthermore, individuals occupying bridging positions within collaboration networks exhibit advantages in standardization outcomes. These findings advance understanding of how SSO participants strategically leverage collaboration networks to enhance innovation performance. The results offer valuable insights for standardization professionals, policymakers, and organizations seeking to foster more effective collaboration strategies within increasingly competitive global technology ecosystems.