Coopetitive networks in the ICT sector
by Paavo Ritala, Jukka Hallikas, Heli Sissonen
International Journal of Business Environment (IJBE), Vol. 2, No. 1, 2008

Abstract: This paper provides evidence of simultaneous competition and cooperation (coopetition) through analysing the centrality measures of a set of global Information and Communication Technology (ICT) companies in competitive and cooperative networks. We use structural network research and the Ucinet program as tools for identifying the centrality of the companies in these networks. These data are compared with the absolute number of simultaneously cooperative and competitive relationships announced in the firms' annual reports and on the alliance database (SDC Platinum). Our study predicts that centrality in both competitive and cooperative networks, and in particular high centrality in the cooperative network, indicates higher levels of coopetition. This indicates the importance of alliance management in this context. We also find that firms with a niche focus are less likely to form coopetitive relationships. Finally, our study illustrates that structural analysis is suitable for analysing coopetition at the network level.

Online publication date: Fri, 25-Jan-2008

The full text of this article is only available to individual subscribers or to users at subscribing institutions.

 
Existing subscribers:
Go to Inderscience Online Journals to access the Full Text of this article.

Pay per view:
If you are not a subscriber and you just want to read the full contents of this article, buy online access here.

Complimentary Subscribers, Editors or Members of the Editorial Board of the International Journal of Business Environment (IJBE):
Login with your Inderscience username and password:

    Username:        Password:         

Forgotten your password?


Want to subscribe?
A subscription gives you complete access to all articles in the current issue, as well as to all articles in the previous three years (where applicable). See our Orders page to subscribe.

If you still need assistance, please email subs@inderscience.com