The Role of Coopetition in Fostering Innovation and Growth in New Technology-based Firms: A Game Theory Approach

Objective: New technology-based firms (NTBFs) are key actors in creating value through innovation, but they face significant challenges in the rapidly changing and competitive technological environment. Methods: This research is a multi-method analysis aiming to present a model of relationships among drivers for collaboration and competition among technology-based companies and identify effective actions and policies to enhance coopetition (cooperation and competition) that can boost the ability of NTBFs to grow and commercialize innovations. The methodology of this study is exploratory in nature. Thus, it employs literature review method for gathering qualitative data, Fuzzy Delphi method for collecting data from experts, and DEMATEL-ISM method for modeling the relationships among drivers and demonstrating the impact of coopetition on the performance of NTBFs. Results: The research findings show that coopetition can improve growth, innovation, and commercialization in NTBFs by overcoming technological and competitive limitations. Conclusions: The study offers practical and social implications for managers, policy makers, and economic development by highlighting the role of coopetition in fostering innovation and prosperity.