Coopetitive patterns of interaction between subjects of the knowledge triangle
Authors: Mayboroda Tetyana , Karpusha Vasyl , Balahurovska Inna 
Published: February 2025

The article explores coopetitive interaction patterns among the actors of the knowledge triangle – business, education, and science – as a tool for enhancing innovation potential and fostering sustainable societal development. The study emphasizes that in the context of globalization, rapid technological advancements, socio-economic challenges, and the consequences of war, coopetition becomes a vital strategy to ensure competitiveness and adaptability. The authors analyze the advantages of this strategy, which combines competition and cooperation, to optimize resources, develop innovative ecosystems, and create new educational and research approaches. The paper presents a detailed typology of coopetitive patterns, including partnership, competition, collaboration, and co-innovation. It describes mechanisms enabling a balance between cooperation and competition, which are fundamental to improving the effectiveness of interactions within the knowledge triangle. It is emphasized that each interaction pattern contributes to achieving synergy by integrating knowledge, technologies, and resources while maintaining the individual competitiveness of each participant. Special attention is given to the Ukrainian Universities Alliance case analysis, which serves as an example of an effective coopetitive practice. The signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation by six leading Ukrainian universities of various ownership forms opened new opportunities for developing education, science, and innovation, even under the challenging conditions of war and social upheavals. The Alliance demonstrates how horizontal linkages among academic communities contribute to developing innovative strategies, preserving national identity, strengthening social cohesion, and addressing pressing societal challenges. The article also highlights key aspects of managing coopetitive relationships, including balancing participants’ interests, effective knowledge management, setting common goals, and ensuring transparency in relations. In particular, the authors recommend using modern information systems to coordinate cooperation, formalize agreements, and create network structures to optimize interaction. The study underlines that coopetition in the knowledge triangle is a tool for developing an innovative economy and a mechanism for social progress. The findings demonstrate how joint initiatives among universities, businesses, and scientific institutions can create unique synergies to overcome global challenges. The analysis of the Ukrainian Universities Alliance case reveals the effectiveness of integrating competitive and coopetitive strategies to strengthen the position of Ukrainian higher education in the international arena, preserve human capital, and support national recovery. Thus, the study’s results confirm that coopetition is a crucial strategy for universities seeking to retain their individuality while contributing to societal well-being. The experience of the Ukrainian Universities Alliance demonstrates the feasibility of implementing innovative approaches to cooperation even in crisis conditions, making it a promising avenue for further research and practical initiatives.