An extensive theoretical literature examines technological competition
, and in particular whether leaders maintain their standing. These mod
els, however, have received little empirical support. I examine innova
tion in the disk drive industry, an environment particularly conducive
to identifying racing behavior Strategic variables prove significant
in explaining the decision to innovate. The patterns are in accord wit
h Reinganum's work: firms that trail the leader innovate more. I add c
ontrols for technological opportunity, financing constraints, and firm
turnover. When firms manufacture drives for internal use or there are
many entrants, and strategic interactions may be less important, the
effects are less pronounced.