Coopetition as a Strategic Enabler of Innovation in Transition Economies

Abstract

Transition economies have distinctive opportunities and challenges compared to other economies. Innovation is among the major contributors for development and welfare in countries with transition economies. Limited sources, environmental forces, rapid changes in technology, cost and complexity of research drive organizations to form strategic alliances with their competitors and prefer innovation through coopetition. Transition economies with their unique characteristics compared to other economies and potential of achievable benefits from innovation require particular attention. This study identifies, describes and discusses the promising areas of research methods and perspectives about innovation through coopetition in transition economies. A comprehensive critical evaluation of the underlying dynamics of innovation through coopetition and innovation in transition economies, aided by bibliometric mapping and analysis showed the promising enabling potential of coopetition for innovation in challenging conditions of transition economies. The viable and beneficial coopetition ideas and approaches are identified, represented and discussed to enable effective innovation in transition economies. The main features and challenging aspects of these ideas and approaches are explained in details.