Tensions in Coopetition between Gypsy and Non-gypsy Breweries in the Light of Actornetwork Theory

Abstract

Objective: The search for market expansion challenges Brazilian craft breweries. Based on coopetition strategies, many join in seeking to overcome these challenges. The challenge for gypsy breweries is even more significant, as they must produce beer in a non-gypsy brewery. Some tensions emerge from this relationship, such as space availability and costs. Methods: From the actor-network theory, we analyze the relationship between gypsy and non-gypsy breweries, deepening the analysis of their tensions. Based on a case study with craft breweries in Rio de Janeiro State. Results: As the results highlighted, the tension between them starts at a level not mentioned in the literature on coopetition. Conclusions: This extension expands the existing literature on coopetition by highlighting the influence of nonhuman elements (e.g., factory, resources, equipment, and operations) in shaping inter-organizational relationships, with the factory being the main generator of this tension. The study offers insights into how actors (human and nonhuman) navigate, interact, and negotiate tensions to achieve mutual goals. By applying ANT to analyze coopetition dynamics, the study contributes to the theoretical framework by demonstrating how this approach can enhance understanding of complex mechanisms, processes, and relationships through which coopetition dynamics unfold in practice.

Keywords

• coopetition
• relationships
• tensions
• actor-network theory
• craft brewery