The search for and utilization of the best methods used by competitors and non-competitors that lead to superior performance is called

Bench-marking

Explanation:

Benchmarking is the process that works for comparing the products, services, etc by the other companies who are dealing with the same type of business that refers to the best in the industry or performing superior performance.

It could be done either by the cost, quality, time, quantity, etc

The aim of doing this process is to gain the competitive advantage so that they get to know their strength, weakness, opportunities, and threats

answer; read and consider the content of the items;