Inter-organizational networks of small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) in the field of innovation: a case study of South Tyrol. (2nd January 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kofler, Ingrid; Marcher, Anja
• Is Part Of: Journal of small business and entrepreneurship. Volume 30:Number 1(2018)
• Page Start: 9
• Page End: 25
• Publication Date: 2018-01-02
• Subjects: social network analysis -- regional innovation system -- embeddedness -- inter-organizational networks -- South Tyrol; analyse des réseaux -- système régionaux d'innovation -- ancrage territorial -- relations interorganisationnelles -- Tyrol du Sud; Small business -- Periodicals; Small business -- Canada -- Periodicals; Entrepreneurship -- Periodicals; Petites et moyennes entreprises -- Périodiques; Petites et moyennes entreprises -- Canada -- Périodiques; Entrepreneurs (Économie politique) -- Périodiques; 658.022
• DOI: 10.1080/08276331.2017.1401202
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0827-6331

Abstract

Abstract : Inter-organizational networks are a resource-saving and risk-sharing strategy, especially in the field of innovation and for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). The study investigates the role of innovation in interfirm linkages by combining a theoretical approach with an empirical case study. We link the concept of 'Regional Innovation System' (RIS) with the concept of 'embeddedness'. Starting from a network analysis of SMEs in the autonomous province of Bolzano – South Tyrol (Italy), the analysis shows that, in the field of innovation, relations are not based purely on a market logic and that the linkages between firms, institutions and research institutes are not enough to be innovative; rather, a RIS is part of a particular social system, where the relational and social aspects of embeddedness and trust are of foremost significance.