Coopetitive networks, knowledge acquisition and maritime logistics value

Abstract

Knowledge acquisition may help maritime operators to maximise maritime logistic value. The operators can acquire knowledge through being embedded in a coopetitive (viz. mixture of cooperation and competition) network. This paper aims to examine how effectively maritime logistics operators coordinate the inter-organisational coopetitive relationships in order to acquire knowledge. The paper also diagnoses the effectiveness of the acquired knowledge on the improvement of maritime logistics value. A theoretical framework is established to show the relationships among factors and is empirically examined through both an explorative interview method and a Delphi survey analysis. The findings show that (i) a high level of cooperation in a coopetitive network facilitates knowledge acquisition, (ii) competition in the network has, to some extent, promoted the positive impact of the cooperation on knowledge acquisition, and (iii) the acquired knowledge has a positive influence on the improvement of maritime logistics value.