Coopetition in Education? A Case Study of Collaboration in a Competitive Environment

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Abstract

While educational theory has typically seen collaboration and competition as opposites, the business world employs the concept of coopetition, a relationship between two companies involving competition in some segments and cooperation in others. In this paper we will study the applicability of this concept to education.

A case study approach was used to study collaboration and competition in a network of 11 6th-form colleges, which teach 16-18 year olds in England. Semi-structured interviews were undertaken with managers in each college. Documentary evidence was collected such as websites, brochures and publicity materials.

Results show that the collaborative network was perceived positively. The concept of coopetition was clearly applicable to this network, with collaboration and competition equally informing college strategies and policies.

Authors

• Daniel R. Muijs, University of Southampton

• Natasha Rumyantseva, University of Southampton