Coopetition in quantum prisoner’s dilemma and COVID-19

Abstract

Decision-making is important especially during a crisis such as the novel COVID-19 pandemic. The quantum prisoner’s dilemma with two dilemma strength parameters is introduced as a model for the interaction between pharmaceutical and other related enterprises during the pandemic. Novel Nash equilibria are identified. The coopetition equilibrium (simultaneous cooperation and competition) is emphasized. Motivated by the novel equilibria of the quantum version, a classical mixed-strategy formulation that can be applied to real-world situations is proposed. Suitable values of the dilemma strength parameters and quantum entanglement can encourage coopetition, which can be considered as a route to full cooperation.