Balance on tightrope: the role of co-opetition relationship in coupling open innovation

Abstract

Purpose

Through empirical research, this study aims to explore the role of competition and cooperation in coupling open innovation (OI).

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, the hierarchical regression analysis method was used to test each hypothesis.

Findings

Cooperation has an inverted U-shaped moderating effect between coupling OI and innovation performance. Competition negatively moderates the relationship between inbound-oriented coupling OI and innovation performance, and has an inverted U-shaped moderating effect between outbound-oriented coupling OI and innovation performance. When competition and cooperation coexist, competition will passivate the moderating effect of cooperation between inbound-oriented coupling OI and innovation performance, and sharpen the moderating effect of cooperation between outbound-oriented coupling OI and innovation performance.

Originality/value

The role of competition and cooperation on different types of coupled innovation is studied for the first time. This research greatly enriches the theory of the effect of innovation network on innovation performance.

Citation

Zhao, J. (2024), "Balance on tightrope: the role of co-opetition relationship in coupling open innovation", International Journal of Innovation Science, Vol. 16 No. 6, pp. 1117-1131. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJIS-11-2022-0213