Coopetition – A meta-theoretical lens and a research program

Abstract

Coopetition - simultaneous collaboration and competition between organizations - has been a powerful concept that has sparked the imagination of both researchers and practitioners. The power of coopetition is in its universal applicability to foundational dynamics in the firm’s business environment, in its competitive strategy, and around its inter-organizational relationships. In this chapter, I document - using a selfreflective approach - how coopetition started as a novel managerial thinking framework, included a promise of becoming a meta-theoretical construct, and eventually grew into a cumulative research program. I also draw parallels to several other constructs that imply metaphorical or metatheoretical utility - such as the paradox or the ecosystem - to demonstrate how and why concepts such as coopetition become adopted, why they gain popularity, and why they sometimes struggle to gain traction.