Small Firm Boundary-spanning via Bridging Ties: Achieving International Connectivity via Cross-border Inter-cluster Alliances

2018 ◽  
Vol 24 (2) ◽  
pp. 153-164 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anthony Goerzen
Keyword(s):  
Small Firm ◽  
Boundary Spanning ◽  
Cross Border ◽  
Firm Boundary ◽  
Bridging Ties

Mapping Innovation Networks

1998 ◽  
Vol 02 (02) ◽  
pp. 223-254 ◽  
Author(s):  
Steve Conway ◽  
Fred Steward
Keyword(s):  
Small Firm ◽  
Boundary Spanning ◽  
Technological Innovations ◽  
Innovation Networks ◽  
Network Configuration ◽  
Systematic Method ◽  
Firm Innovation ◽  
Award Winning ◽  
Discrete Innovation ◽  
Network Mapping

This paper outlines a detailed and systematic method for revealing and mapping out the network mobilised in the development of a discrete innovation. This is termed a focal action-set. Important to the utility of this approach has been the development of a set of conventions for the graphical expression of the network and its components: actors, links and flows. It is argued that the network graphic provides a powerful, though under-utilised, tool for the representation of relational data. It may be employed, for example, to reveal variations in network configuration and to highlight key networking or boundary-spanning actors. The network mapping approach is illustrated through three cases of small firm innovation drawn from a wider investigation of award-winning technological innovations. A comparison between the network maps show a variation in the key boundary-spanning interactions, which is related to the organisational background of the entrepreneurial actor.

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