Systemic Approaches to Coopetition: Technology and Service Integration in Dynamic Ecosystems Among SMEs

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In the globalized, technologically advanced landscape, coopetition—simultaneously cooperating and competing—has become a key strategy for innovation and enhanced value creation. This research focuses on the impact of technology-driven coopetition networks in the Portuguese ornamental stone sector, using a framework based on Service-Dominant Logic (S-D Logic). It emphasizes the importance of resource integration, service exchange, and institutional arrangements in successful coopetition. Employing a two-phase experimental approach with selected small and medium enterprises (SMEs), this study assesses customer perceptions of product quality under traditional best practices versus those enabled by technology-driven coopetition networks. The results indicate a notable improvement in the customer-perceived quality and outcome consistency. The statistical analysis shows that these networks allow firms to better align with customer expectations, optimize resource allocation, and improve operational coordination. The findings highlight the strategic potential of coopetition networks, particularly when augmented by advanced technologies like IoT-based systems. These networks facilitate sustainable value co-creation and operational resilience by enabling firms to share expertise, distribute tasks, and synchronize efforts. This research contributes to the coopetition and S-D Logic literature by offering a practical framework for firms aiming to boost competitiveness and sustain growth in dynamic service ecosystems.