Dynamics of Collaboration and Competition Between Actors in Innovation Ecosystems: Role of AI

This paper aims to investigate the dual use of artificial intelligence (AI) in innovation ecosystems (IEs), so stressing its capacity to increase cooperation and intensify competition. It aims to clarify how artificial intelligence affects cooperative dynamics, competitive pressures, and differences in knowledge exchange among many different fields. The study applied a qualitative methodology combining several case studies across the technology, healthcare, and manufacturing sectors with semi-structured interviews with business leaders. Cross-sector comparisons and theme analysis helped to expose sector-specific as well as generalised trends. Results show that realtime data integration, cooperative problem-solving, and improved efficiency made possible by artificial intelligence help to foster cooperation among participants in ecosystems. However, it also intensifies competition by generating knowledge asymmetries and resource imbalances that advantage larger firms. Sectoral analysis reveals differences in AI use; collaborative use dominates in healthcare while competitive methods rule in technology and manufacturing. This work addresses gaps in the literature regarding sector-specific effects and the balance between cooperation and competition, so improving the understanding of AI's dual function in industrial ecosystems. It offers a theoretical framework and pragmatic recommendations for encouraging fair AI integration, so guaranteeing inclusive and sustainable development of the ecosystem.