Critical Factors in the Formation and Development of Technology-Based Firm Networks in Incubation Environments in Brazil

This research aims to identify the critical factors that influence the formation and development of the interorganizational networks that have emerged within incubators of technology-based firms in Brazil. For this purpose, semi-structured interviews were conducted with startups form two networks of incubated companies (Education Network and Technology, Information and Knowledge Companies Network) and two incubators (Center of Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Technology — CIETEC — and Incubator of Technology-Based Companies of Itajubá — INCIT). As a result, this study found eight critical factors: Actions by entrepreneurs, leadership, shared spaces, facilitation, network management, financial and brokerage, which can be framed in four characteristics: heterogeneity of the firms, lack of cooperation, interactions and the actions of the incubator. As a contribution, this research allows reflection on the effectiveness of the incubator, in addition to highlighting the complementarity of networks in the incubation processes. The study analyses different models of incubated firm networks that have been little explored as an object of study in the incubation literature and networks and what is the role of the incubator in each of these models.

Impact of Entrepreneurial Leadership on Product Innovation Performance: Intervening Effect of Absorptive Capacity, Intra-Firm Networks, and Design Thinking

The main objective of this research is to investigate the nexus between entrepreneurial leadership and product innovation performance. In addition, the mediating mechanism of absorptive capacity, intra-firm networks, and design thinking through which entrepreneurial leaders influence product innovation performanceis also studied. The researcher contacted three hundred (300) plus firms; 157 firms showed a willingness to participate, and 96 firms provided the data with a response rate of 61.15%. Out of those 96 firms, the data from 71 firms were used for the final analysis, yielding an effective response rate of 45.22%. Only middle and top-level employees from the marketing and research & development departments from Pakistani firms were selected as respondents because these two departments are directly related to product innovation performance. To test the hypothesis, the Smart PLS-SEM technique wasused. The empirical analysis revealed that entrepreneurial leadership impacted product innovation performance through the mediating mechanism of design thinking, intra-firm networks, and absorptive capacity. The current research contributes to entrepreneurial leadership theory by proposing and empirically testing how entrepreneurial leaders affect product innovation performance.

Heterarchical Coordination in Inter-organizational Networks: Evidence from the Tourism Industry

Purpose – The aim of this paper is to report the results of a qualitative research on heterarchical coordination within an interorganizational network in the tourism sector. Design/Methodology/Approach – The study follows the qualitative approach and case study research design. The main data collection techniques were semi-structured interviews and document analysis. Data triangulation was used to collect and analyze qualitative research data and narrative form supported the presentation of the results. Findings – The study has shown the nature, strengths and weaknesses of heterarchical coordination within the distributed inter-firm network. Based on the study, heterarchy is an appropriate form of coordination for distributed inter-firm networks with a high proportion of SMEs operating in the tourism sector. Heterarchy supports a high level of engagement of focal firms in joint activities and emergent growth of the whole community. Originality of the research – The study brings a new overview of coordination mechanisms in interfirm networks and identifies the characteristics and conditions of heterarchical coordination in a distributed cooperative network. The results of the study are useful for scholars studying business networks as well as for managers and local authorities responsible for managing and supporting inter-firm networks in tourism destinations.

The Brokerage Roles of City-Regions in Global Corporate Networks

Brokerage is an increasingly relevant function of city-regions within diverse economic network structures. In this paper, we identify cities whose brokerage roles are defined by their network positionality within the global corporate network using linkages between headquarters and subsidiary locations. Applying Gould and Fernandez’s framework of five potential brokerage types, we supplement understandings of brokerage as a network position by unpacking the diversity of forms brokerage assumes as a process. City-regions are conferred economic advantage through their brokerage roles that close structural holes in inter-urban firm networks resulting from a range of domestic and international brokerage roles.

Influence of Inter-Firm Network Relationships on Circular Economy Eco-Innovation Adoption

Research has shown that inter-firm networks and relationships play a key role in innovation adoption; however, these concepts have not specifically been applied to study their role in the adoption of circular economy eco-innovations. This paper considers whether the embedded relationships within inter-firm networks also influence circular economy eco-innovation adoption. Using a historical case study of the REALCAR closed-loop recycling initiative, by Jaguar Land Rover, from 2013 to 2017, the paper conducted qualitative interviews to reconstruct the structure and nature of the relationships between Jaguar Land Rover and its suppliers. This was complemented with a network regression analysis to determine the influence of these relationships on the adoption and implementation decisions of the closed-loop recycling process by the suppliers of Jaguar Land Rover. The results show that Jaguar Land Rover’s relationship as a key customer, facilitation of knowledge sharing among peer suppliers, and resistance from suppliers impacted by changing supply chain relationships played a role in the adoption decisions and adoption timeframe of the REALCAR closed-loop recycling innovation. This has implications for companies and supply chains to consider leveraging the inter-firm relationships embedded in their supply chain networks to accelerate the adoption of circular economy eco-innovations.

Networks, institutional environment and firm internationalization

Purpose The purpose of this study is to investigate the influence of network relationships and institutional environment on premium winegrowers’ internationalization process. Design/methodology/approach This study uses a case study approach to examine two premium wine producers engaged in internationalization. The data sources consist of semi-structured interviews, observations at three major events and secondary data sourced from industry reports and materials that are available online. Findings Findings illustrate that both personal and inter-firm networks help wineries to internationalize. Inter-firm networks play a significant role in gaining international legitimacy. Personal networks were found to be more important in establishing brand authenticity that facilitates wineries in their internationalization process. Gaining international legitimacy and establishing brand authenticity are crucial in the successful internationalization of premium wineries. Research limitations/implications This study provides an explanation of how networks can be put into institutional context. Future studies could map out the formal and informal institutions within the wine industry and investigate the closer dynamics among the different actors in the whole network. A whole network is formally structured and governed, yet still built on the relationships among members, making it a very complex phenomenon. This would allow the evaluation of multilateral ties that link firms and actors within the network and how this affects the internationalization process. Practical implications This paper provides managers with insights on how they can capitalize on their inter-firm and personal networks to help them deal with domestic and international institutional environments when embarking on internationalization activities. Originality/value This paper adds to the existing literature on networks relationships and provides an important link between networks, institutions and internationalization.