Opinions on when competition or collaboration is optimal differ, particularly in the case of product innovation. To examine the broad determinants of both collaboration and innovation patterns, the present study takes a game theoretic approach and develops a four-strategy set (innovation, collaboration, imitation and 'do nothing') to understand when competition or collaboration is optimal. The model explores the collaboration determinants in depth, focusing on the sharing of collaboration costs. By designing and using the MATLAB animation software, the study generates the equilibrium solution for each strategy set. Based on the game theoretic approach, ten predictions are generated about: a) the probability of collaboration; b) the collaboration costs; c) the effect of technology on price and revenue. The study concludes with policy implications at both firm and national levels under conditions of weak intellectual property rights (IPR) such as in China based on the game theoretic approach.

中文翻译：

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竞争与协作：四组博弈论-创新，协作，模仿和“无所作为”

关于何时最佳竞争或协作的观点各有不同，尤其是在产品创新方面。为了研究协作和创新模式的广泛决定因素，本研究采用博弈论方法，并开发了四个策略集（创新，协作，模仿和“什么都不做”）来了解竞争或协作何时是最佳选择。该模型深入探讨了协作决定因素，重点是协作成本的共享。通过设计和使用MATLAB动画软件，该研究为每个策略集生成了平衡解。基于博弈论方法，将产生以下十个预测：a）合作的可能性；b）协作费用；c）技术对价格和收入的影响。