An experience‐based view of co‐opetition in R&D networks
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore the relationship between prior experience of organisations and their “co‐opetitive” behaviours in forming research networks when a R&D programme is launched in order to fund future research projects.
Design/methodology/approach
Drawing on both resource‐based writings and social embeddedness studies, the paper posits that two types of co‐opetition – namely the intra‐network and inter‐network co‐opetition – should be clearly distinguished in order to understand co‐opetitive behaviours of organisations. These two types of co‐opetition arise as a consequence of the different levels of firms' prior experience in forming successful co‐opetitive networks with their competitors.
Findings
A reverse U‐shape trade‐off between the two types of co‐opetition is hypothesised: the maximum level of intra‐network co‐opetition and the lowest of inter‐network co‐opetition are expected for low and highlevels of prior experience; the minimum level of intra‐network co‐opetition and the highest of inter‐network co‐opetition are expected for moderate levels of prior experience.
Originality/value
This paper sheds light on how co‐opetitive relationships emerge in R&D networks and under which circumstances competition prevails on cooperation.
Keywords
Citation
Schiavone, F. and Simoni, M. (2011), "An experience‐based view of co‐opetition in R&D networks", European Journal of Innovation Management, Vol. 14 No. 2, pp. 136-154. https://doi.org/10.1108/14601061111124867
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2011, Emerald Group Publishing Limited