Balancing exploration and exploitation tension in coopetition: the case of European space innovation programmes

Anne Sophie Fernandez (), Fiona Xiaoying Ji and Saïd Yami ()
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Anne Sophie Fernandez: MRM - Montpellier Research in Management - UM1 - Université Montpellier 1 - UPVM - Université Paul-Valéry - Montpellier 3 - UM2 - Université Montpellier 2 - Sciences et Techniques - UPVD - Université de Perpignan Via Domitia - Groupe Sup de Co Montpellier (GSCM) - Montpellier Business School
Fiona Xiaoying Ji: Ohio University
Saïd Yami: MRM - Montpellier Research in Management - UM1 - Université Montpellier 1 - UPVM - Université Paul-Valéry - Montpellier 3 - UM2 - Université Montpellier 2 - Sciences et Techniques - UPVD - Université de Perpignan Via Domitia - Groupe Sup de Co Montpellier (GSCM) - Montpellier Business School, Kedge Business School [Talence]

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Abstract: Coopetition is filled with multiple tensions. A major one results from the dilemma between exploration and exploitation. Because tensions could inhibit the impact of coopetition on innovation performance, they need to be managed. A theoretical gap appears on the management of exploration/exploitation tension in a coopetition context. This article aims to fill this gap. A framework based on the concept of ambidexterity is proposed and discussed regarding the results of the in-depth case study of two collaborative innovative programmes conducted by two competitors within the space industry. Findings highlight that innovation performance requires a balance between exploration and exploitation reached thanks to specific ambidextrous capabilities at both organisational and team levels. At the organisational level, ambidexterity allows partners to manage strategic information, to equally divide the industrial activity and to decide a resource sharing process. At the team level, project manager internalise the paradox and daily manage tensions between sharing and protecting knowledge.

Keywords: coopetition; exploration and exploitation tension; innovation performance; European space innovation programmes (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2014
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

Published in International Journal of Business Environment, 2014, 6 (1), pp.69-91. ⟨10.1504/IJBE.2014.058024⟩

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:hal:journl:hal-02050800

DOI: 10.1504/IJBE.2014.058024

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