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Implementation of Imitation Strategies in the Innovative Behavior of Companies: Bibliometric Analysis

Author

Listed:
  • Valentina Butmalai

    (Dunarea de Jos University of Galati, Romania)

  • Nicoleta Cristache

    (Dunarea de Jos University of Galati, Romania)

  • Alina-Florentina Saracu

    (Dunarea de Jos University of Galati, Romania)

  • Irina-Olimpia Susanu

    (Dunarea de Jos University of Galati, Romania)

  • Cosmin Matis

    (Babes Bolyai University of Cluj-Napoca, Romania)

  • Tiberius-Iustinian Stanciu

    (Ovidius University of Constanta, Romania)

Abstract

The article presents the results of a study of the evolution of key patterns of scientific publications dedicated to the use of imitation strategies by companies. Achieving the set goal is ensured by solving two interdependent tasks: forming a relevant sample of scientific articles (759 publications on selected issues, indexed by the scientometric database Web of Science, for the period 1986–2025) and analyzing the coincidence of keywords to characterize the current state of the research field and modern trends. The chosen keywords are the combinations “imitation strategy, innovation” or “innovation, imitation, strategy”. Bibliometric analysis and visualization of its results were carried out using the software product VOSviewer v1.6.20. Based on the visualization maps, seven clusters were identified based on the coincidence of the content of keywords in the articles and five stages of evolutionary development of the issue of innovative behavior of companies. The results obtained can be used in the study of various aspects of the implementation of imitation strategies by companies.

Suggested Citation

  • Valentina Butmalai & Nicoleta Cristache & Alina-Florentina Saracu & Irina-Olimpia Susanu & Cosmin Matis & Tiberius-Iustinian Stanciu, 2025. "Implementation of Imitation Strategies in the Innovative Behavior of Companies: Bibliometric Analysis," Economics and Applied Informatics, "Dunarea de Jos" University of Galati, Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, issue 3, pages 18-24.
    • Handle: RePEc:ddj:fseeai:y:2025:i:3:p:18-24
    DOI: https://doi.org/10.35219/eai15840409542
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Ramon Casadesus‐Masanell & Feng Zhu, 2013. "Business model innovation and competitive imitation: The case of sponsor‐based business models," Strategic Management Journal, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 34(4), pages 464-482, April.
    2. Jacobides, Michael G. & Knudsen, Thorbjorn & Augier, Mie, 2006. "Benefiting from innovation: Value creation, value appropriation and the role of industry architectures," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 35(8), pages 1200-1221, October.
    3. Jan W. Rivkin, 2000. "Imitation of Complex Strategies," Management Science, INFORMS, vol. 46(6), pages 824-844, June.
    4. Linsu Kim, 1998. "Crisis Construction and Organizational Learning: Capability Building in Catching-up at Hyundai Motor," Organization Science, INFORMS, vol. 9(4), pages 506-521, August.
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