Structural dependence and new product performance in coopetition: role of interorganizational learning and market overlap

Purpose Collaboration with competitors may result in higher innovation performance; however, the mechanism by which structural dependence affects new product performance in competitors’ collaboration remains unclear. Drawing on interorganizational learning and the coopetition theory, this study aims to explore the relationship between structural dependence and new product performance, as well as its paths and boundary conditions within the context of collaboration with competitors. Design/methodology/approach This empirical analysis used survey data from 241 Chinese high-tech manufacturing firms. Hypotheses were tested through stepwise regression, while mediation and moderated mediation analyses were conducted using bias-corrected bootstrapping. Findings Structural dependence can positively affect collaborative new product performance through knowledge sharing and joint learning. Market overlap strengthens the positive mediating effect of joint learning between structural dependence and new product novelty but weakens the positive mediating effect of knowledge sharing between structural dependence and new product speed to market. Research limitations/implications Investigating other dimensions of dependence may produce different perspectives for enhancing new product performance. Using cross-sectional sample data could not help clarify the causal relationships between variables. Future research may advance this limitation by designing longitudinal research. This study contributes to the competitive partnership literature by clarifying whether and how interdependence among coopetitors shapes superior new product performance. Practical implications Managers must pay attention to collaboration with structurally dependent competitors by participating in joint-learning activities to enhance the novelty of the new product under a high degree of market overlap. Originality/value This research provides practical insights for firms that wish to cooperate with competitors in new product development but are uncertain about whom to collaborate with and how to engage in actions to achieve this.