Abstract

Network coopetition refers to multiple-actors interactions, involving various firms, covering the whole value network. If collaborating with a direct rival may bring benefits to both firms, then collaborating with many firms brings additional benefits— private, common and public—that are otherwise unavailable. This chapter presents the state of the art of network coopetition research. Prior studies focused on central-actor, deliberate coopetition strategy, rarely exploring emergent coopetition. Yet, firms deliberately shape the mix of collaborative and coopetitive relationships. When deciding on network coopetition entry, actors rely on trust-building mechanisms.