Towards a Conceptual Framework for Modeling the Dynamics of Coopetition within a Technological Ecosystem

Abstract

This study develops a conceptual framework for analyzing coopetition within technological ecosystems. Building on the premise that coopetition can be studied by analyzing networks of blocking relations between firms' patent portfolios, we explore triadic isomorphism based on Wasserman and Faust's (1994) methodology. Such triads are considered to hold information about the network as a whole. We analyzed over 170,000 patents in the telecommunications industry to assess scenarios for triadic dynamics. Our results reveal that coopetition has become the new normal in technological ecosystems, with a tendency to spread both vertically and horizontally across industry boundaries. This paper contributes to coopetition theory by offering a methodology to analyze the complex dynamics of competition and cooperation in converging technological landscapes.

This working paper is presented as a managerial perspective and intended for business leaders, corporate strategists, senior policymakers, academic researchers, and consultants involved in organizational development, crisis response, and transformation planning.