Title: Risks and benefits of knowledge sharing in co-opetitive knowledge networks

Authors: Ilona Ilvonen; Vilma Vuori

Addresses: Department of Information Management and Logistics, Tampere University of Technology, P.O. Box 541, 33010, Tampere, Finland ' Department of Information Management and Logistics, Tampere University of Technology, P.O. Box 541, 33010, Tampere, Finland

Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to examine the benefits and risks of knowledge sharing in co-opetitive networks. Whilst some studies address the risks of co-opetition, this work examines how the risk or protection perspective is linked specifically to knowledge sharing in co-opetition. Knowledge is a valuable asset for companies, and sharing knowledge with competitors may provide major benefits yet also create major risks. The approach taken is to examine previous research from the angle of co-opetitive knowledge networks and knowledge sharing. Through the methodology of a literature review, the piece offers solid evidence that knowledge sharing and co-opetition in knowledge networks is an area that has not been widely studied. It thus shows that there is room for further studies in this field, which should address how a good balance between sharing and protection of knowledge within co-opetition can be found.

Keywords: co-opetition; knowledge sharing; knowledge networks; benefits; risks; knowledge protection; knowledge security; cooperation; competition.

DOI: 10.1504/IJNVO.2013.063049

International Journal of Networking and Virtual Organisations, 2013 Vol.13 No.3, pp.209 - 223

Received: 11 Oct 2013
Accepted: 14 Apr 2014
Published online: 19 Jul 2014 *

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