1. Approaching and Extending Business Networks—An Agenda for New Research Challenges

Extending the business network approach involves the researcher’s reconsideration on what assumptions should be employed when determining what is within the boundaries of the network and what is left outside. Extending also implies that something ‘new’ is presented to the business network. What is considered ‘new’ though depends on what is recognised as established within a research field. This means that ‘new’ is not necessarily novel per se, but represents a ‘new’ direction in extending the business network approach. ‘New’ in that sense is something that provokes the researcher to challenge the assumptions on boundary-setting in the business network approach, and consequently offers alternatives supported by empirical studies or conceptual reasoning. ‘New’ can involve embarking into previously unchartered territories where the business network approach allows for alternative explanations. ‘New’ can also be what the rapid technological development brings, and where the business network approach provides deeper insight into the consequences. Furthermore, ‘new’ can be altered terms for firms and markets where research following the business network approach offers complementary views on business effects.