Coopetition dynamics between giant entrants and incumbents in a new convergent segment: a case in the smartphone industry

ABSTRACT

This study investigates the dynamic evolution of coopetition between giant entrants from different industries and incumbent leaders, and the role of coopetition in industry leadership battles in a convergent segment. We analyse the case of coopetition between Apple and Samsung in the smartphone industry, taking both a broad perspective and a more focused approach. Our findings suggest that in convergent situations, innovative leaders from other industries are likely to enter newly convergent segments and coopetition between giant entrants and incumbents plays an important role in the industry leadership battles. Also, from the dynamic perspective, the cooperative relationships between giant entrants and incumbents can change to coopetition over time. Thus, the way to value creation will change across the stages of the coopetition and balance is critical for the continuation of a coopetitive relationship.

KEYWORDS:

• Coopetition
• coopetition capability
• industry leadership battle
• giant entrants
• smartphone industry

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by Hallym University [grant number HRF-202009-007].

Notes on contributors

Byung-Jin (Robert) Park

Byung-Jin (Robert) Park is an Associate Professor of Management at School of Business, Hanyang University in Korea. His research interests include coopetition, strategic alliance, innovation strategy, and corporate social responsibility. He has 15 years of professional work experience in the Federation of Korean Industries (FKI). He received his Ph.D. in Management from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. His publications can be found in Research Policy, Journal of Small Business Management, Technology Analysis & Strategic Management, Industrial Marketing Mangement, Tourism Management and many others.

Dohee Kim

Dohee Kim is an Associate Professor of Business Administration in the College of Business at Hallym University, Korea. Her areas of research include discrete choice modeling (DCM) and brand management in hospitality and tourism field, and strategy in the service industry. She received her Ph. D. in Hospitality and Tourism Management from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. She has published articles in Tourism Management, Hospitality and Tourism Journals and many others. She has six years of professional work experience in Korea Tourism Organization (KTO). Her publications can be found in Tourism Management, International Journal of Hospitality Management, Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Management, Journal of Travel & Tourism Marketing, International Journal of Tourism Research and many others.