Final answer:
A. Acquiring new technology products and services
The banking industry's adoption of ATMs, online bill pay, and electronic statements as competitive advantages are examples of acquiring new technology products and services, which can initially offer a competitive edge.
Step-by-step explanation:
The banking industry has implemented several competitive advantages such as ATMs, online bill pay services, and electronic statements. These advantages, however, were quickly duplicated by competitors that wanted to remain relevant in the banking industry.
These are all examples of acquiring new technology products and services as competitive advantages. When firms discover new technology, they can initially earn higher profits by offering products more cheaply or with desirable characteristics that consumers seek.
However, once these technologies become widespread, the competitive edge that the original innovator had diminishes as other firms adopt similar innovations, as seen with the banking industry's services.