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2017 | Buch

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Cooperative and Networking Strategies in Small Business

herausgegeben von: Marta Peris-Ortiz, João J. Ferreira

Verlag: Springer International Publishing

Buchreihe : Innovation, Technology, and Knowledge Management

Enthalten in: Springer Professional "Wirtschaft+Technik" , Springer Professional "Wirtschaft"

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Über dieses Buch

The book aims to collect the most recent research and best practices in the cooperative and networking small business field identifying new theoretical models and describing the relationship between cooperation and networks in the small business strategy context. It examines different concepts and analytical techniques better understand the links between cooperative strategies and networks in small business. It also studies the existing economic conditions of network and strategic implications to small business from the point of view of their internal and external consistency.
Cooperation and networks is a fashionable topic. It is receiving increasing attention in popular management publications, as well as specialized academic journals. Cooperation between firms and industries is a means of leveraging and aggregating knowledge also generating direct benefits in terms of innovation, productivity and competitiveness. Various options and decisions made within the framework of strategic alliances may be identified and differentiated. For example, it has been argued that R&D cooperation between competing firms also facilitates the search for incremental efficiency gains and is thus a competitive advantage. In parallel with a theoretical acceptance of the importance of a sustained competitive advantage to formulate strategy, there is a growing understanding that cooperative and networking behavior among small firms is at the root of many success stories in today's small business management. This condition requires an effort to develop a study of both aspects of cooperation and networks as compatible, complementary facets of a unique reality. In short, the cooperative and networking relationships of a small business can be the source of its competitive advantage. Enhancement of local resources and capabilities for the generation and dissemination of knowledge is still an issue for defining public policies in many countries.Featuring contributions covering such topics as green innovation, social commerce, university cooperation networks, and regional entrepreneurship, this book provides a comprehensive and richly illustrated study of cooperation and networks in small business that will be pertinent to students, academics, professionals, scholars, and policy makers.

Inhaltsverzeichnis

Frontmatter

Chapter 1. Cooperation and Networks in Small Business Strategy: An Overview

Abstract

Cooperation and networks is a fashionable topic. It is receiving increased attention in popular management publications, as well as specialized academic journals. This chapter presents a state-of-the-art view about cooperative and networking strategies in small business. Furthermore, we highlight the main contributions of the chapters included in this book. It provides an opportunity to advance our understanding about cooperative and networking strategies. It also addresses questions particularly critical to business cooperation and network strategies and encourages examining their impact in different contexts. In this chapter, we outline a short description of the author’s contributions.

Marta Peris-Ortiz, João J. Ferreira

Chapter 2. Cooperation and Coopetition in SME Networks: A Bibliometric Study

Abstract

The theory and research existing on relationships between competitors concentrates either on competitive relationships or on cooperative relationships and broadly argues that one relationship type harms or threatens the other. However, what do we really understand about progress in the literature on the strategic triad—cooperation, competition, and coopetition? Through bibliometric analysis, we aim here to contribute to providing a state-of-the-art overview on this theme in order to better grasp how this triad has evolved over time. To this end, this study applies a combination of bibliometric techniques such as citations, co-citations, and social network analysis to examine the scientific field of cooperation and competition. The survey conducted resulted in 1151 articles with publication dates between 1963 (Article 1) and 2015 (29 articles). We classified this systematic literature review into three periods of analysis: (1) Period I (1963 and 2000), the big bang approach to competition and cooperation; (2) Period II (2001 and 2009), with competition camouflaged by cooperation; and (3) Period III (2010–2015), the psychology of cooperation and competition.

Cristina Fernandes, João J. Ferreira

Chapter 3. Determinants of University Cooperation Networks as a Mechanism for Regional Development: The Case of Beira Interior (Portugal)

Abstract

The present chapter aims to understand the influence of university cooperation networks on their regional economy. It focuses on the following research question: What are the determinants of university cooperation networks? To attain this objective, we pursued two exploratory case studies in Portugal focusing on firms cooperating with the University of Beira Interior. For data gathering, interviews with key informants and documentary analysis were used. It was found that an entrepreneurial university has a crucial role in attracting firms to its region. Moreover, strong regional partnerships with globally acting firms may represent a solution to slow down the migratory flow of young graduates. In the formation of university cooperation networks, scientific and technological know-how and well-equipped premises are the most attractive factors for firms to engage in cooperation. Again, offering paid work placements for graduates is an important incentive for universities to enter in a network.

Mário Franco, Heiko Haase, Adelaide Reis

Chapter 4. Cooperation and Networks in Small Wineries: A Case Study of Rutherglen, Australia

Abstract

Due to the high resource costs and global competitiveness of the wine industry it is important for businesses to cooperate and form networks. This is especially crucial for the sustainability and growth of small wineries that compete based on the quality and reputation of their products. This chapter will focus on the cooperation and networks of wine producers in the Rutherglen area of Australia. The small business strategies of the wineries in this area will be discussed in terms of family businesses, newcomers, and investment partners. The belief in coopetition for small wineries will be explained and how this has resulted in the region being at the forefront of the Australian wine industry. The spirit of innovation in the small wineries business strategy will be explored by taking a case study approach focusing on Campbell’s Wines, one of the oldest family owned wineries in Rutherglen. Suggestions for future innovation based on small business strategies will be discussed.

Vanessa Ratten

Chapter 5. The Contribution of KIBS to Innovation and Competitiveness in Business Networks

Abstract

This chapter seeks to analyse, based on a quantitative approach, the relationship between knowledge, cooperation and co-creation of innovation through knowledge-intensive business services (KIBS) and other organisations (i.e. clients, higher education institutions [HEIs] and other firms/institutions). The main findings suggest, given the context of KIBS firms, that co-creation of innovation is greatly influenced by cooperation with HEIs (i.e. co-creation of technological innovation) and knowledge codification (i.e. co-creation of non-technological innovation). The results have conceptual implications—further deepening the understanding of co-creation processes in innovation research—and practical implications—facilitating decision-making processes in innovation based on cooperation, networks and the strategic management of knowledge.

Alexandra M. Braga, Carla S. Marques, Zélia M. Serrasqueiro, Vitor L. Braga, Aldina I. Correia

Chapter 6. Relationship Learning Strategy as a Mechanism of Network and the Effectiveness of Green Innovation

Abstract

The purpose of this chapter is to analyse, from a theoretical research approach, the relationship between relationship learning (RL), knowledge base (KB) and green innovation (GI) outcomes. This chapter attempts to argue that a deep and broad KB leads to better GI outcomes. In addition, the theoretical model proposes that firms that invest and involve themselves in RL mechanisms are more likely to indirectly foster GI. Also, we argue how cooperation among firms that occurs through networks or supply chains stimulates the RL mechanisms, eventually affecting the innovation.

In light of the knowledge-based view (KBV) and the relationship view (RV), the two main propositions suggest that firm’s GI is greatly influenced both by an integrated broad and deep KB (directly) as the RL activities (indirectly). The proposed research model has conceptual implications (advancing in the application of RV perspective in the field of GI) and practical implications for managers (related to the design and improvement of his or her KB and the engagement in RL strategies).

Antonio Leal-Millán, Gema Albort-Morant, Antonio Leal-Rodríguez, Antonio Ariza-Montes

Chapter 7. Connecting Funding to Entrepreneurs: A Profile of the Main Crowdfunding Platforms

Abstract

The general purpose of this chapter is to describe and analyse the financing phenomenon of crowdfunding and to investigate the relations between crowdfunders, project creators and crowdfunding websites. More specifically, it also intends to describe the profile differences between major crowdfunding platforms, such as Kickstarter and Indiegogo. The results showed that both Kickstarter and Indiegogo are among the most popular crowdfunding platforms. Both of them have thousands of users and these users are generally satisfied. Most of them rely on individual approaches for crowdfunding. Despite this, Kickstarter and Indiegogo could benefit from further improving their services. Furthermore, according to the results, it was possible to observe that there is a direct and positive relationship between the money needed for the projects and the money collected from the investors for the projects, per platform.

Shavarsh Zohrabyan, Paula Odete Fernandes, Rui Pedro Lopes, José Álvarez García

Chapter 8. Geographies of Growth: Comparing Oxfordshire, a Core High-Tech Region in the UK, with an Emerging High-Tech Region—The Centro of Portugal

Abstract

This chapter reports on a comparative project comparing the evolution of the Oxfordshire high-tech economy with a newer and much smaller high-tech region, the Centro of Portugal. Previous research on Oxfordshire has been mainly qualitative. This new study using quantitative data allows insights into what makes regions distinctive, how the performance of regions with some similar and some different attributes differ, and what might contribute to or inhibit their potential growth trajectories. The conceptual framework for the study is drawn from the ‘regional triple-helix spaces’ (The triple helix: University–industry–government innovation in action. Engineering, Routledge, p. 164, 2008) and the regional innovation systems concept (Environ Plan A 30:1563–1584, 1998). The two regions compared are very different in stages of development. The nature of entrepreneurship and innovation in the two regions is explored as well is responses to the growth of that activity by the local triple-helix actors.

Luís Farinha, João J. Ferreira, Helen Lawton Smith, Saverio Romeo

Chapter 9. Hedonic and Utilitarian Effects of the Adoption and Use of Social Commerce

Abstract

The aim of this research is to contribute to the field of study which explores the consumer behaviour model in social commerce, introducing the social commerce concept as a new commercial formula.

To study the acceptance and use of social commerce by consumers, we have proposed the social commerce acceptance model. This brings together several models of technology acceptance, including the technology acceptance model, its successor technology acceptance model 2 and the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT). It also includes hedonic and utilitarian values which will help us identify the key variables influencing the intention to use social commerce.

To carry out this research, we distributed a survey answered by 486 individuals. The results obtained confirm satisfactory results for the relationships proposed, highlighting the influence of hedonic and utilitarian values on attitude and perceived usefulness.

Ángela Plaza-Lora, Ángel Francisco Villarejo-Ramos

Chapter 10. Knowledge Creation in Temporary Organizations

Abstract

This chapter studies knowledge creation in temporary organizations (TOs) to address the relationship between TOs and their permanent environment. Knowledge creation is a process of interaction in an organizational context that must combine hierarchy/control and flexibility/autonomy elements. Based on a case study of twelve inter-organizational TOs, this chapter nuances the decoupling between TOs and their permanent environment as follows. TOs are managed independently but TO knowledge creation depends on continuous inputs from the permanent environment. TOs depend on informal hierarchy/control elements in the permanent environment. TO knowledge creation depends on both the willingness of TO members to create knowledge and the extent that the permanent environment enables them to create knowledge.

Roel Rutten

Chapter 11. Collaborative Networks Between Corporate Universities, Customers, and SMEs: Integrating Strategy Towards Value Creation

Abstract

Corporate universities have become a new paradigm in the fields of education and business, but its applicability may be limited to large corporations and multinationals, due to the need for resources and infrastructure that their operation requires. However, networking, agreements, partnerships, and cooperation initiatives between corporate universities of these large corporations and small businesses, suppliers, and other actors are welcome as a way to generate common and integrating strategies across their value chains.

In many cases and in certain sectors, companies have already reached levels of maximum efficiency in their value chains, identifying this concept as the set of internal processes that are adding value to the company’s products or services. That is the reason why it is necessary to extend this concept to the so-called value network, describing this concept as all internal and external processes that add value to the company’s products or services and where appear external partners outside the company, such as SMEs, suppliers, funding entities, organizations, and government institutions, among other actors.

In this document the possibility of establishing collaborative networks between corporate universities of large companies and their SME partners is analyzed as a way to establish and empower a common and integrated strategy to improve the processes of these small business partners and redirect them towards meeting the objectives of the large corporation and upgrading the efficiency in the value network.

Antonio Alonso-Gonzalez, Marta Peris-Ortiz, Jordi Mauri-Castello

Backmatter

Titel: Cooperative and Networking Strategies in Small Business
herausgegeben von: Marta Peris-Ortiz
João J. Ferreira
Verlag: Springer International Publishing
Electronic ISBN: 978-3-319-44509-0
Print ISBN: 978-3-319-44508-3
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-44509-0