Encouraging and Discouraging Factors for Networking Among Technology Firms: A Case Study in the Technology, Innovation and Knowledge Firms Network (Tikfn)

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this article is to identify which factors encourage and/or discourage companies to operate as a network, based on the Technology, Innovation and Knowledge Firms Network (TIKFN). Originality/value: Few advances have been made in the literature to understand the technology-based firms’ cooperation networks (TBFs), which have different characteristics, especially in relation to levels of uncertainty and innovation. Design/methodology/approach: It was conducted a Study Case on this paper. Therefore, data were collected through documents, semi structured questionnaires and focal groups to assure data source triangulation. Additionally, data analysis consisted of networks structural analysis, regression analysis and content analysis by frequency and category. Findings: Among the observed results, it is noticeable that congruence of objectives, length of participation and network strengthening represent the encouraging factors for network operation. On the other hand, asymmetric interests, low actors’ engagement and lack of active management are the discouraging factors. In order to assure the credibility of this study, results were evaluated through two focal groups composed by the network managers and participants, thus increasing the authenticity of the study. Results can be considered relevant as they contribute to understand the behavior of technology companies in a network, whose characteristics differ from other interorganizational networks especially regarding uncertainty levels and access to resources and information.

The Impact of Information and Communication Technologies in Improving Crop Productivity among Youths in Misungwi and Kilosa Districts, Tanzania

“…Money could be needed to purchase seeds as well as complementary inputs where necessary. This explains why access to credit is often observed as an important determinant of the adoption of all ICTs devices for crop productivity (Jayne et al, 2004;Mineiro et al, 2019). It is also evident from this study that more than 75% of young farmers do not have access to credit.…”

Program assessment in innovation ecosystems

“…In order to relate to the perspectives of use for decision-making and accountability, the interviewed entrepreneurs raised questions in order to understand the impact, results, value added by the program and benefits to companies, which confirms the key factors for the permanence of companies in cooperation networks (Mineiro et al, 2019). In addition, the program board understands that it is necessary to question the program's sustainability, achievement of objectives, strategic vision, and impacts in general.…”

“…Haris and Wheeler (2005) discuss the relationships established in the networks and show the effect of personal networks on a company's strategy, overcoming the view that relationships have more restricted functions, such as to complement missing information on the market and access channels. Mineiro, Souza, Antunes and Castro (2019) still highlight, based on a case study in a network of technology-based companies, that companies see participation in networks as a means to achieve competitive advantages. The convergence of objectives among the actors, especially in networks with players from the same field of activity, participation time, and the strengthening and greater representation of the network, due to its interaction with other local agents, are perceived by participants as the network's main growth factors.…”