When does a competitive advantage become sustainable?

A competitive advantage becomes sustainable when it is not duplicable by other companies. This means that a business has developed unique resources, capabilities, or positioning that competitors cannot easily replicate or acquire. Such advantages can stem from various factors, including proprietary technology, brand loyalty, unique business processes, or patents. When these elements are in place, a firm can maintain its superior position in the market over time, allowing it to consistently outperform competitors.

Additionally, a sustainable competitive advantage creates barriers to entry for other firms and helps maintain customer loyalty, as customers perceive added value that they cannot find elsewhere. In contrast, if a competitive advantage can be easily duplicated, it is unlikely to remain in place for long, as competitors will quickly seek to imitate it, leading to a loss of that advantage. The other choices focus on conditions that would refer to weaknesses or inevitable declines in competitive standing, rather than the factors that help secure a lasting edge in the market.