Enhancing operational scale in SMEs through coopetition : insights from the Portuguese ornamental stone industry

This study explores whether coopetition enhances scale determinants for SMEs, focusing on a case study in the Portuguese Ornamental Stone sector. The findings show that transitioning to coopetition networks positively impacts scale determinants in this sector. These improvements highlight coopetition's potential to drive operational efficiency, resource optimization, and market responsiveness, aligning with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 8, 9, and 12. However, the study's limitations include a specific focus on Portuguese SMEs and a limited data collection period, indicating the need for broader and longer-term research. Future research should extend to different sectors and regions, incorporate a broader range of KPIs, and consider external factors affecting coopetition outcomes. This would provide a more comprehensive understanding of coopetition's role in fostering sustainable growth and innovation in SMEs. This research contributes to theory by leveraging S-D Logic and open innovation to enhance coopetition, showcasing their practical application in SMEs.