Abstract: For coopetition strategy, different interpretations of its concept and contradiction nature bring different implementation ways in the inter-firm technology transfer process. Based on the theoretical perspectives of dialectics and paradox, this paper explores the diverse interpretations of coopetition strategy on inter-firm technology transfer under different logics. An empirical analysis based on questionnaire data of 279 manufacturing enterprises in China shows that coopetition strategy of the two logics both have significant positive impact on technology transfer between enterprises. The constructive conflict caused by coopetitive contradiction has a positive moderating effect on the relation between coopetition and technology transfer under paradoxical logic, but is not conducive to the relation under dialectical logic. In this context, the strong tie between firms can weaken the negative impact of constructive conflict on the main effect of coopetition under dialectical logic. Meanwhile, weak tie can further promote the positive effect of constructive conflict on the main effect of coopetition under paradoxical logic.

Key words: coopetition, dialectics, paradox, technology transfer, conflict