Regional Horizontal Networks within the SME Agri-Food Sector: An Innovation and Social Network Perspective. Issue 8 (2nd August 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: McAdam, Maura; McAdam, Rodney; Dunn, Adele; McCall, Clare
• Is Part Of: Regional studies. Volume 50:Issue 8(2016)
• Page Start: 1316
• Page End: 1329
• Publication Date: 2016-08-02
• Subjects: Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) -- Agri-food sector -- Innovation -- Social networks; 中小型企业（SMEs） -- 农产品部门 -- 创新 -- 社会网络; Petites et moyennes entreprises (Pme) -- Secteur agro-alimentaire -- Innovation -- Réseaux sociaux; Kleine und mittelständische Unternehmen (KMU) -- Landwirtschafts- und Nahrungsmittelsektor -- Innovation -- Soziale Netzwerke; Pequeñas y medianas empresas (pymes) -- Sector agroalimentario -- Innovación -- Redes sociales; M -- O -- Q; Regional planning -- Periodicals; Regional planning -- Great Britain -- Periodicals; 307.14
• DOI: 10.1080/00343404.2015.1007935
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0034-3404

Abstract

Abstract : Mc Adam M., Mc Adam R., Dunn A. and Mc Call C. Regional horizontal networks within the SME agri-food sector: an innovation and social network perspective, Regional Studies . This paper aims to explore how regional horizontal networks within the small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) agri-food sector develop innovative capability and outcomes through the adoption of a combined innovation and social network perspective. To facilitate this, the Slow Food Network was deemed appropriate. A multiple case analysis was then used in order to explore 11 regional SME-based agri-food horizontal networks. The findings demonstrate that a complex life cycle development occurred within the regional SME networks. Such development required unique strategies of explorative and exploitative innovation-based knowledge exchange at different life cycle stages with resultant changes in network dynamics between the SMEs.