A defining characteristic of sustainable competitive advantage is that it

• A. Can Be Quickly Copied By Rivals
• B. Relies On Price Wars
• C. Short-Lived And Easily Eroded
• D. Cannot Be Copied Easily, And Can Be Maintained Over A Significant Period

Answer: (D)

Sustainable competitive advantage means a position that rivals can’t easily copy and that can be kept for a long period despite competitive pressures. The best statement captures both durability and defensibility: advantages that cannot be copied easily and can be maintained over a significant period. If an edge can be copied quickly, or is based on price competition, it tends to fade as competitors imitate or undercut, so it isn’t sustainable. Durable sources of advantage come from unique resources or capabilities—like a strong brand, proprietary technology, strong distribution networks, or embedded routines and relationships—that are hard for others to replicate.