Inter-cluster relations in a coopetition context: the case of Inno'vin

Abstract

While interclustering corresponds to a specific case of inter-organizational relations, its coopetitive and asymmetric potential has rarely been investigated. Here, we examine the challenges in developing a productive coopetitive inter-cluster relationship in a context of asymmetry, and the trust-generating mechanisms needed to overcome these challenges. The case of the French cluster, Inno'vin, gives us some interesting insights into the issue. With five data collection phases conducted over an eight-year period, we compared the relations between Inno'vin and two other clusters located in the same or a nearby geographical area and positioned in similar fields. Our paper highlights the importance of competition in the context of interclustering and identifies the main challenges of inter-cluster coopetition, while emphasizing the role of asymmetry. Moreover, we extend the existing literature on trust-generating mechanisms in the specific context of asymmetric interclustering.

Alors que les réseaux inter-clusters correspondent à un cas précis de relations inter-organisationnelles, leur potentiel « coopétitif » et asymétrique a rarement été exploré. Ici, nous examinons les difficultés que représentent le développement d'une relation inter-cluster productive et coopétitive dans un contexte asymétrique, et les mécanismes générateurs de confiance nécessaires au dépassement de ces difficultés. Le cas du cluster français Inno'vin nous apporte des informations intéressantes sur le sujet. En utilisant cinq phases de collecte de données conduites sur une période de huit ans, nous avons comparé les relations entre Inno'vin et deux autres clusters situés dans, ou à proximité de, la même zone géographique, et positionnés dans des champs d'activité similaires. Notre article met l'accent sur l'importance de la concurrence dans un contexte de collaborations inter-clusters et, par ailleurs, identifie les principales difficultés de la coopétition inter-cluster, tout en soulignant le rôle de l'asymétrie. De plus, nous tenons également compte de la littérature existante sur les mécanismes générateurs de confiance dans le contexte spécifique des collaborations inter-clusters asymétriques.

Keywords:

• interclustering
• coopetition
• wine sector
• asymmetric relations

Mots-clés:

• inter-cluster
• coopétition
• secteur vinicole
• relations asymétriques

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Notes

1. A competitiveness cluster (CC) is a cluster accredited by the French government that ‘groups small and large firms, research centers and training institutions in a well-defined territory and a targeted field’ (www.competitivité.gouv.fr). It is partially publicly funded.

2. Nouvelle-Aquitaine and Occitanie are two neighboring regions in France (from a total of 13 regions).

3. A cluster is a geographical concentration of firms, specialized suppliers, service providers and institutions in a specific field, both competing and cooperating (Porter 1998).

4. This is a national recognition which enabled clusters to benefit from financial support worth 200,000 euros for three years.

5. The w&v ‘milieu’ in Bordeaux is often considered by outside observers as ‘very closed’. The representatives from the different institutions are therefore very well informed about Inno'vin and its link with other w&v clusters.

6. ‘The Inter-ministry unique fund finances R&D projects which have obtained a CC label’. It supports ‘applied research projects dealing with product, process or service development likely to be marketed in the short or medium term’ (www.competitivite.gouv.fr).

7. If we limit our analysis to firms, Inno'vin and LR had only three joint members on 25 March 2015.

8. A cluster can be reluctant to cooperate on specific projects with a poor-performing cluster (see Table 2), but it may find it interesting to merge with this inefficient cluster in order to pool resources, eliminate competition, expand into new territories and gain a more beneficial status (that is CC status).

9. If we limit our analysis to firms, Inno'vin and MPA had seven members in common on 25 March 2015.

10. This project for controlled management of dissolved gas in wine, with a budget of 2.8 million euros, included five private companies and three academic partners. It was accepted by FUI in October 2014, although the French government only funds 25% of what was initially requested (1 million euros). In November 2014, Inno'vin and MPA worked on a new FUI project, which this time will benefit from a joint MPA and Inno'vin label.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Julien Cusin

Julien Cusin is currently an associate professor at IAE Bordeaux (University of Bordeaux), and is a member of the IRGO research laboratory. Most of his works deal with failure management.

Elodie Loubaresse

Elodie Loubaresse is currently an associate professor at Paris-Sud University, and is a member of the RITM research center. Most of her work deals with inter-organizational relations.