Résumé
Studies on coopetition have typically focused on big firms. Although some studies have been dedicated to SMEs, none has focused on micro-firms. To fill this research gap, this study therefore aims to establish the foundations of a coopetition theory for micro-firms. In so doing, we propose a theoretical framework based on the Proximity Law. This theoretical framework is illustrated and refined based on a study of micro-firms in the French real estate brokerage industry. This study shows the relevance of coopetition for micro-firms and identifies four characteristics of coopetition: 1) micro-firm coopetitors form communities separated from other competitors by a "wall phenomenon", 2) micro-firm coopetitors develop a high sense of community belonging, 3) micro-firm coopetitors hierarchize the members inside the coopetitive network, and 4) the wall of the coopetitive community is not completely hermetic because there are "entry and exit doors". These results offer new paths for further study.