Once Upon a Time in Quantum Computing: A Grounded Theory Study on Hardware Purchasing
(2023) MIOM05 20231Production Management
- Abstract
- Quantum computing is a potentially disruptive field, and a significant
amount of resources are invested in technology advancements. The
business-related research, however, is a relatively unexplored area. This
master’s thesis explores the key factors that buyers consider when
purchasing quantum computing hardware, the perception towards start-ups
versus established quantum computing companies, and the elements that
influence the make-or-buy decision.
To investigate these themes, a grounded theory approach was used. The
empirical data was collected through a total of 13 interviews, involving
buyers, sellers, and industry experts from Europe and North America.
The study found that performance, price, and trust were the most... (More) - Quantum computing is a potentially disruptive field, and a significant
amount of resources are invested in technology advancements. The
business-related research, however, is a relatively unexplored area. This
master’s thesis explores the key factors that buyers consider when
purchasing quantum computing hardware, the perception towards start-ups
versus established quantum computing companies, and the elements that
influence the make-or-buy decision.
To investigate these themes, a grounded theory approach was used. The
empirical data was collected through a total of 13 interviews, involving
buyers, sellers, and industry experts from Europe and North America.
The study found that performance, price, and trust were the most important
purchasing criteria. The buyers perceived start-ups as more innovative and
open to customization, whereas larger players were more attractive in terms
of stability and track record. The make-or-buy decision was influenced by
the trade-off between knowledge, time, budget, and customization, with the
mindset of key individuals being a potentially underlying element. A
theoretical model based on the make-or-buy findings was also proposed.
The insights from this thesis offer valuable information for both sellers and
buyers in the quantum computing market, and open up avenues for
continuing research on the industry’s business dynamics. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
http://lup.lub.lu.se/student-papers/record/9127461
- author
- Bornefalk, Alfred LU and Söderberg, Simen LU
- supervisor
- organization
- course
- MIOM05 20231
- year
- 2023
- type
- H2 - Master's Degree (Two Years)
- subject
- keywords
- quantum computing, hardware, supplier selection, start-ups, make-or-buy, trust, grounded theory
- report number
- 23/5717
- language
- English
- id
- 9127461
- date added to LUP
- 2023-06-22 16:54:05
- date last changed
- 2023-06-24 12:00:34
@misc{9127461,
abstract = {{Quantum computing is a potentially disruptive field, and a significant
amount of resources are invested in technology advancements. The
business-related research, however, is a relatively unexplored area. This
master’s thesis explores the key factors that buyers consider when
purchasing quantum computing hardware, the perception towards start-ups
versus established quantum computing companies, and the elements that
influence the make-or-buy decision.
To investigate these themes, a grounded theory approach was used. The
empirical data was collected through a total of 13 interviews, involving
buyers, sellers, and industry experts from Europe and North America.
The study found that performance, price, and trust were the most important
purchasing criteria. The buyers perceived start-ups as more innovative and
open to customization, whereas larger players were more attractive in terms
of stability and track record. The make-or-buy decision was influenced by
the trade-off between knowledge, time, budget, and customization, with the
mindset of key individuals being a potentially underlying element. A
theoretical model based on the make-or-buy findings was also proposed.
The insights from this thesis offer valuable information for both sellers and
buyers in the quantum computing market, and open up avenues for
continuing research on the industry’s business dynamics.}},
author = {{Bornefalk, Alfred and Söderberg, Simen}},
language = {{eng}},
note = {{Student Paper}},
title = {{Once Upon a Time in Quantum Computing: A Grounded Theory Study on Hardware Purchasing}},
year = {{2023}},
}