Decision Making Challenges in 'Co-opetitive Learning and Knowledge Exchange Networks'

This primarily conceptual paper introduces 'Co-opetitive Learning and Knowledge Exchange Networks' (CoLKENs) as a specific context for decision making. CoLKENs play a pivotal role within our global, increasingly knowledge based society and shape knowledge sharing processes among their members and organizations. The inherent balancing act between cooperation and competition requires designing and implementing specific management processes to enable economic value maximization for individuals and firms. CoLKENs, their components and generic structure are described. A first taxonomy is suggested. Two specific CoLKENs in open source type environments, SourceForge and CodeX (Xerox) are explored. Finally, future research lines are identified.