Abstract

Our paper argues that the ongoing discussion on coopetition can be enrichened by a value chain configuration (VCC) perspective on firm strategy. To this end, we first explain what VCC is and why it is important to understand its configuration. We then highlight under-explored issues in the coopetition literature that an understanding of VCC can shed light on. We conclude by outlining inductive approaches of configuration that can help advance studies of coopetition. Our essay is shaped by the fact that SMR seeks to "promote integration of strategic management research by encouraging research closely connected with the field's canonical problems as defined by management practice." In light of the conceptual and theoretical advancements in Coopetition we avoid lengthy ex-post reviews in favor of suggesting how viewing firms from a value chain perspective can generate valuable insights for the coopetition literature. While the essay will be theoretical in tenor, it will mainly refer to the context of the biopharmaceutical industry as an example — biopharmaceutical value chains are characterized by an extensive mix of cooperative and competitive interactions.