Title: Innovative coopetition: the strength of strong ties

Authors: Anette Brolos

Addresses: Fionia Bank, Vestre Stationsvej 7, DK 500 Odense C, Denmark; Department of Marketing and Management, University of Southern Denmark, Denmark

Abstract: The article builds on an explorative case study of coopetition in the Danish financial sector to develop a framework for cooperation in the early phases of innovation. Despite the rapid growth of the theory on innovation and knowledge creation and the theory on alliance and network cooperation, the analysis of cooperation in the early phases of innovation (idea generation, problem-solving or knowledge creation) is still in its infancy. Most theoretical and empirical contributions see weak network ties as a source of new information that may trigger organisational knowledge development. The article argues that cooperation between competitors may be an advantage in this early phase of idea generation because network embeddedness may provide trust, a common understanding of basic conditions and a broader common knowledge base, while the differences in specific capabilities and business models may still ensure some diversity.

Keywords: idea generation; creativity; innovation; cooperation; coopetition; weak ties; strong ties; Denmark; financial services; competition.

DOI: 10.1504/IJESB.2009.024108

International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Small Business, 2009 Vol.8 No.1, pp.110 - 134

Published online: 25 Mar 2009 *

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