Exploring the Characteristics of Coopetition Throughout the Coopetition Life Cycle

Abstract Purpose This study aims to explore the phases of the coopetition life cycle (CLC), identify the perceived importance of characteristics attributable to coopetition in those phases, and recognize if the perception of the identified importance of considered characteristics changes across the phases of the CLC. Methodology approach The explorative research was conducted within the manufacturing companies operating in Poland. A comprehensive survey was conducted on a large scale, involving 1231 firms. The coopetition characteristics - 2 strategic, 6 relational, and 5 behavioral - were operationalized using scales already available in the literature whereas to operationalize the specific phases of the CLC (i.e., initiation, development, maintenance, evaluation, continuation, dormancy, termination, and reactivation) and two focus group interviews were conducted. Data analysis was implemented using descriptives and non-parametric ANOVA tests. Findings The research findings showed which phase of CLC predominates in practice, i.e., the maintenance phase. Furthermore, the study revealed that all considered characteristics are meaningful throughout nearly all phases of the CLC. However, there were slight variations in the perceived significance of coopetition characteristics among managers representing both low-tech and high-tech firms. Originality/Value It is the first research on CLC therefore as a contribution it offers the framework for the CLC, results regarding the phases in which coopetition is the most frequently utilized by manufacturing companies as well as the results showing the perceived relevance of a wide range of coopetition characteristics across particular phases of the CLC.