To join or not to join? Insights from coopetitive <scp>RD</scp> &amp;I projects

Multipartner research, development and innovation (RD&I) projects are increasingly used to achieve complex goals keep pace with today's technological imperatives. The involvement of both competing noncompeting partners increases the complexity relationships poses a challenge outcomes such projects. Therefore, right choice is particularly important in this context. Although previous research has mainly examined how focal firms deliberately select collaborative partners, study demonstrates non-focal evaluate invitations participate RD&I multiple direct competitors. Going beyond coopetitive dyad, we qualitatively examine six multipartner mature industries involving competitors noncompetitors. findings suggest that evaluation process differs between exploration exploitation We identify critical factors guide competitors' deciding whether types projects, provide new insights into attractiveness collaborations for industries. study's propositions advance theory can be tested future empirical studies. This also provides valuable guidance practitioners considering embarking on journey.