CO-OPETITION is a wonderful term that says exactly what it means. In many ways, if you think of a successful joint venture, you will have the right idea. Certainly between competitors, but even between company and supplier or customer, there is some competition, if only for lower prices and better service. This book explains both by steps to follow and great examples how two (or more) parties can win-win. Rosabeth Moss Kanter and Michael Hammer each talk about the cluster idea, that companies do better when competitors and the business chain are all in close proximity. Even when not directly cooperating, they encourage each other to develop new ideas and stay sharp. To succeed, we must be willing to change and be open to new relationships. The old Tradition Stall (see THE 2,000 PERCENT SOLUTION by Mitchell, Coles and Metz) of "Talk to the competitor, Cooperate with a competitor - Never!" must be tossed out the window. The Disbelief Stall of "A competitor would never try to help us" must be dispelled to make real progress. I encourage you to read many books on this subject, for they will each give you a new approach.