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Competition in Knowledge Ecosystems: A Theory Elaboration Approach Using a Case Study

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  • Jeandri Robertson

    (Department of Business Administration, Technology and Social Sciences, Luleå University of Technology (LTU), 971 87 Luleå, Sweden
    School of Management Studies, Marketing Section, University of Cape Town (UCT), Cape Town 7700, South Africa)

Abstract

This paper explores how competition works in knowledge ecosystems, using a theory elaboration approach. With little research conducted in this area to date, three strategic streams of thought—resource-advantage theory, dynamic capabilities framework, and adaptive marketing capabilities perspective—are compared as a departing point and a frame of reference regarding the dynamics of competition. The streams of strategic thought all converge around the notion that organizations must constantly renew themselves to adapt and align to a fast-changing marketplace. The characteristics of knowledge ecosystems are conceptualized, whereafter an in-depth case study is presented to empirically assess competition in knowledge ecosystems, focusing on the perspective of a keystone actor. At the ecosystem-level, knowledge ecosystems primarily expose and explore knowledge, indicating that they mostly operate in a pre-competitive state. The time needed and the limited control inherent to knowledge exploration translate into the keystone actor focusing on transient rather than sustainable competitive advantage. Knowledge ecosystems further prove to be central in the coevolution and the growth of other ecosystems through connecting and sharing of the explored knowledge base with other ecosystem actors who, in turn, exploit this knowledge common for commercial purposes and innovation.

Suggested Citation

  • Jeandri Robertson, 2020. "Competition in Knowledge Ecosystems: A Theory Elaboration Approach Using a Case Study," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(18), pages 1-19, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:12:y:2020:i:18:p:7372-:d:410662
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    2. Marra, Mita & Alfano, Vincenzo & Celentano, Roberto Michele, 2022. "Assessing university-business collaborations for moderate innovators: Implications for university-led innovation policy evaluation," Evaluation and Program Planning, Elsevier, vol. 95(C).
    3. Eriksson, Theresa & Näppä, Anna & Robertson, Jeandri, 2023. "Crafting a paying-it-forward mindset in business: Five principles for a competitive employer branding advantage," Business Horizons, Elsevier, vol. 66(1), pages 51-64.
    4. Yong Xiang & Yunhui Ma & Meiling Ji & Yangyang Su, 2024. "Interconnected Knowledge: Examining the Evolution of Graduate Student Innovation Ecosystems," Journal of the Knowledge Economy, Springer;Portland International Center for Management of Engineering and Technology (PICMET), vol. 15(3), pages 14036-14075, September.
    5. Robertson, Jeandri & Caruana, Albert & Ferreira, Caitlin, 2023. "Innovation performance: The effect of knowledge-based dynamic capabilities in cross-country innovation ecosystems," International Business Review, Elsevier, vol. 32(2).
    6. Newaz, Md Tarique & Chandna, Vallari & Dass, Mayukh & Arnett, Dennis, 2023. "Using R-A theory and the optimal distinctiveness perspective to understand the strategic marketing approaches used by platform-based organizations: The cases of Facebook and Twitter in digital ecosyst," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 167(C).
    7. Yichao Li & Jing Shen & Dilek Cetindamar, 2023. "Think Tank Innovation-Driven Knowledge Service Ecosystems: A Conceptual Framework and Case Study Application," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(10), pages 1-19, May.

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