Template-Type: ReDIF-Paper 1.0 Author-Name: Burke, A.E. Author-Name-Last: Burke Author-Name-First: Andrew Author-Name: van Stel, A.J. Author-Name-Last: van Stel Author-Name-First: André Author-Person: pva170 Author-Name: Thurik, A.R. Author-Name-Last: Thurik Author-Name-First: Roy Author-Person: pth26 Title: Blue Ocean versus Competitive Strategy: Theory and Evidence Abstract: Blue ocean strategy seeks to turn strategic management on its head by replacing ‘competitive advantage’ with ‘value innovation’ as the primary goal where firms must create consumer demand and exploit untapped markets. Empirical analysis has been focused on case study evidence and so lacks generality to resolve the debate. We provide a methodological synthesis of the theories enabling us to bring statistical evidence to the debate. Our analysis finds that blue ocean and competitive strategies overlap and managers do not face a discrete either/or decision between each strategy. Our evidence for the Dutch retail industry indicates that blue ocean strategy has prevailed as a dominant long term viable strategy. Creation-Date: 2009-05-29 File-URL: https://repub.eur.nl/pub/16037/ERS-2009-030-ORG.pdf File-Format: application/pdf Series: RePEc:ems:eureri Number: ERS-2009-030-ORG Classification-JEL: L26, M, M13, M21, O32 Keywords: blue ocean strategy, competitive advantage, entrepreneurial discovery, innovation, retailing Handle: RePEc:ems:eureri:16037