Title: Exploring the dynamics of resource interaction in international coopetitive relationships during global crises: a case study between European SMEs and Chinese larger firms of the automotive industry

Authors: Shuwei Jiang; Annika Laine-Kronberg

Addresses: School of Management, University of Vaasa, Vaasa, 65101, Finland ' Faculty of Social Sciences, Business and Economics, and Law, Åbo Akademi University, Turku, 20500, Finland

Abstract: This study investigates the dynamic nature of resource interaction within international coopetitive relationships, specifically focusing on the formation of international joint ventures between European small and medium-sized enterprises and their larger Chinese counterparts in China. The research is based on five qualitative case studies in the automotive industry and employs cross-case analysis with the 4R analysis model to reveal how firms leverage coopetitive relationships to navigate global crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Our findings highlight that effective management of asymmetric coopetitive dynamics allows smaller firms to benefit from resource interactions, maintain control over critical resources, and enhance resilience to global crises in distant markets. This study offers novel insights into resource interactions embedded within coopetitive relationships, using a longitudinal approach to demonstrate the impact of global crises, thereby extending the understanding of coopetition strategy and enhancing firm resilience.

Keywords: resource interaction; coopetition; IJV; international joint venture; global crises; Chinese market; SMEs; small and medium-sized enterprises.

DOI: 10.1504/IJGSB.2025.148572

International Journal of Globalisation and Small Business, 2025 Vol.15 No.1, pp.75 - 100

Received: 25 Oct 2024
Accepted: 08 Jun 2025
Published online: 12 Sep 2025 *

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