Coopetition as a rising type of interfirm relationship is proved to be beneficial to firms in multiple aspects, which received much scholarly attention. However, the consistency of different theories in the area is criticized to be eroded by conceptual vagueness, and further development of the area is impeded by the conceptually inconsistent research paths. Thus, this study aims to establish a consensual theoretical ground for coopetition research by clarifying existing concepts and proposing a unified dynamic interfirm coopetition model framework.
To achieve the research aims, the authors trace the evolution of seven focal concepts in the coopetition area while identifying extant research paths. Then, starting from the extant research paths, the dynamic coopetition model framework is proposed by redefining the concepts, reorganizing and reinterpreting extant coopetition knowledge.
In analyzing the evolution of seven concepts, the authors identified how the conceptual vagueness contributes to the area in the early stage, deepens while allowing the development of two different theory paths and impedes the unification of the paths. Then, drawing on the commonalities and distinctions of the two identified theory paths, the authors redefined the focal concepts and proposed a unified dynamic interfirm coopetition model framework.
This paper reveals and solves the underlying extant and latent conceptual vagueness in the coopetition area. Furthermore, the proposed model framework integrates and develops the extant theory paths for further research, emphasizes the importance of conflicts as resources for the development of coopetition and offers new insights regarding how the paradoxical value creation intents of firms materialize the interplaying competition and cooperation and how cognitive tension indicates the potential of coopetition.
