How and what to imitate? A sequential model for the imitation of competitive advantages

Research in competitiveness generally focuses on how competitive advantages can be developed. This is an important area of research, but as a consequence the process of imitation of competitive advantages has become a neglected area of research. A conceptual sequential model for the imitation of competitive advantages is presented. The model mainly draws on resource-based theory, provides a holistic view of the imitation process, identifies different hindrances to imitation of competitive advantages, and presents arguments for the scheme chosen. Copyright (C) 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.