Copycats

In the business world, imitation gets a bad rap. We see imitating firms as 'me too' players, forced to copy because they have nothing original to offer. We pity their fate: a life of picking up crumbs discarded by innovators striding a path paved with fame and profit. In "Copycats", Oded Shenkar cha [...]
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In the business world, imitation gets a bad rap. We see imitating firms as 'me too' players, forced to copy because they have nothing original to offer. We pity their fate: a life of picking up crumbs discarded by innovators striding a path paved with fame and profit. In "Copycats", Oded Shenkar challenges this viewpoint. He reveals how imitation - the exact or broad-brushed copying of an innovation - is as critical to prosperity as innovation. Shenkar shows how savvy imitators generate huge profits. They save not only on R&D costs but also on marketing and advertising investments made by first movers. And they avoid costly errors by observing and learning from others' trials. "Copycats" presents suggestions for making imitation a core element in your competitive strategy and pairing it powerfully with innovation, including: How to select the right model to imitate? How to avoid oversimplification of a model? Which imitation strategy to use? And how to prepare and execute an implementation plan? Engaging, practical, and rich in company examples, "Copycats" unveils how to add imitation to your competitive arsenal.