The Strategy of Cooperation between Companies – An Alternative to Strengthen the Competitive Advantage in the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises: Case Metal Mechanical Industry in Southeastern of Coahuila Mexico

The objective of the research is to analyze and evaluate whether the cooperative schemes are a feasible option for consolidate the small metal-mechanic companies from the southeastern region of the state of Coahuila, Mexico. For achieve the research objectives, was designed a structured survey for measure three variables. The data were collected by applying the survey to 69 enterprises. The research design was exploratory, descriptive and not experimental, and regarding the temporality of the data collection was cross-sectional. The proposed hypothesis is that the absence of an open attitude towards trust and collaboration for establishing business associations deters understanding the attainable benefits throughthe competitive advantage. The obtained results show that the absence of confidence and lack of knowledge are the major reasons to avoid association. However, were identified areas of interest where the entrepreneurs are willing to participate into business cooperation schemes, such as technology, supply purchases, funding, quality assurance, marketing and exporting activities. Furthermore, was possible to identify the grade of technological development and the existing competitiveness factors. Derived of the results analysis, was concluded business cooperation schemes are a feasible alternative that must be considered by the entrepreneurs in order to strengthen the competitiveness in the domestic and international markets.