In which strategy does a firm focus on learning and then expanding its operations?

The contender strategy is centered around a firm's focus on learning as a primary means of developing its capabilities and subsequently expanding its operations. This approach entails actively seeking knowledge, acquiring new skills, and understanding market dynamics to enhance competitiveness. By mastering its core competencies and gaining insights into customer needs and industry trends, a firm employing the contender strategy is able to position itself effectively in the market.

This strategy often involves experimentation, innovation, and responsiveness to changes in the business environment, enabling the firm to adapt and grow based on what it learns. The emphasis on learning before expansion allows for informed decision-making and minimizes risks associated with scaling operations.

In contrast, the defender strategy typically focuses on protecting existing market positions rather than actively seeking to learn and expand. The dodger strategy often involves evasion or avoidance of competition rather than proactive learning and growth. The extender strategy may imply a more straightforward approach to expansion without the deep learning component that characterizes the contender strategy. Thus, it's the combination of learning and growth that distinctly aligns with the contender strategy.