<![CDATA[Imitation strategies often fail against pioneer corporations due to the presence of asymmetric internal isolating mechanisms. This study aims to map document evolution, detect dominant conceptual cluster structures, and formulate a hybrid theoretical framework regarding causal ambiguity-based_imitation failure. The research methodology applies a systematic literature review design with a quantitative bibliometric approach based on the PRISMA protocol across 160 Scopus-indexed scientific articles during the 2016–2026 period. Data analysis was executed integratively using VOSviewer software and the R Biblioshiny package. The analytical results identify six primary thematic clusters that position causal ambiguity as a critical upstream shield determining replication failure by follower firms. Spatial synthesis confirms two conceptual propositions that causal ambiguity underlies imitation failure through knowledge isolation, while pioneer dominance accentuates this negative isolating effect. The research concludes that the protection of contemporary corporate core competencies has shifted from physical assets toward dynamic, tacit knowledge management. Future research implications recommend expanding global database integration and conducting field empirical quantitative testing using structural equation modeling.]]>
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