This study investigates the key drivers and challenges of coopetition in Iran’s Information and Communication Technology (ICT) industry, with a focus on emerging technologies, regulatory constraints, and the strategic sharing of resources.



A qualitative approach based on event analysis was adopted. The research involved 12 senior managers and strategic experts from leading ICT companies in Iran, selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews focused on 10 significant coopetition events and analyzed in three coding stages using NVivo 12.



The analysis produced 150 initial codes and led to the identification of eight main themes that drive coopetition in Iran’s ICT sector:



Infrastructure sharing and enhanced efficiency
Accelerated market entry
Regulatory challenges
Market development
Competitive advantage creation
Access to government support
Risk mitigation
Access to emerging technologies




Findings suggest that coopetition in this context often emerges as a reactive strategy in response to external and institutional limitations, rather than as a proactive or strategic choice. It typically forms under external pressures, such as government regulations or market constraints.



Conclusion:

For coopetition to become a sustainable and effective strategy in Iran’s ICT industry, the development of transparent legal and institutional frameworks is essential. Moreover, facilitating access to government incentives and establishing neutral intermediary institutions to manage conflicts of interest and build trust between organizations are crucial. Without such foundations, coopetition is likely to remain fragile and short-lived.