The coopetition strategy: a comprehensive analysis of real cases and empirical studies

Abstract

Coopetition strategy (cooperation with competitors) has become a popular approach for firms seeking to simultaneously cooperate and compete with their rivals. This study aims to analyze the effectiveness of coopetition strategy by conducting a comprehensive analysis of real cases and empirical studies. The authors examine the possible benefits and drawbacks of coopetition strategy, and compare the main recent findings in the field. The research methodology involves literature reviews, content analysis, historical method, comparative analysis, and synthesis. The generalization and analysis of real cases of coopetition are based on content analysis of news, newsletters, reviews in the press, reports, and papers published in Scopus database. The most cited papers in the field of empirical research devoted to coopetition are analyzed through content analysis to shed light on the effectiveness of coopetition strategy and provide insights for firms considering implementing this approach. The current study united the analysis of several strategic alliances in the period 2001-2023, and the recent publications in the Scopus database in 2013-2023 years. The variety of findings allows concluding that there are some ideas the scholars and practitioners agreed upon, and some are still in the process of development. Scholars and practitioners have debated several topics, such as the role of power, the relationship between coopetition and innovation, the sustainability of coopetition, and how to manage conflict in coopetition. These topics are important to consider when implementing coopetition strategies in practice. The analysis of real cases and empirical studies offers a comprehensive understanding of the benefits and drawbacks of coopetition, and highlights the factors that contribute to successful coopetition.