The copycat economy (sometimes called the “dupe” or “knockoff” economy) refers to a massive and highly lucrative business ecosystem built on mimicking market-leading products, services, and business models rather than creating them from scratch. Instead of sinking time and capital into uncertain R&D, copycats operate in a known environment where consumer demand is already validated, significantly lowering financial risk for investors.
This ecosystem thrives across a variety of sectors, offering consumers affordable alternatives to premium brands. The copycat phenomenon manifests in a few key ways: Academy of Management Journal
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