Inter-firm network policies and firm performance: evaluating the impact of initiatives in the United Kingdom

Huggins, Robert

doi:10.1016/s0048-7333(00)00092-5

Cited by 93 publications

(58 citation statements)

References 28 publications

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“…A key feature of most of the extant network literature concerning alliance networks is the focus on 'repeated' and 'enduring' (Podolny and Page 1998) or 'sustained' (Huggins, 2001) interactions or relationships. Converse to alliances, contact networks consist of non-formalised interaction and relationships between organisations.…”

Section: Inter-organisational Network and Knowledge Flowmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Converse to alliances, contact networks consist of non-formalised interaction and relationships between organisations. The structure of these networks is often more dynamic, as organisations continually update and change their contacts (Burt 1992;Huggins 2000Huggins , 2001McEvily and Marcus 2005;Grabher and Ibert 2006;Trippl et al, 2009). Contact networks can be considered to be a particular form, or subset, of the type of wider contact systems facilitating the flow of resources and economic development within and across regions (Thorngren, 1970;Malecki, 1989;Anselmo de Castro and Jensen-Butler, 2003).…”

Section: Inter-organisational Network and Knowledge Flowmentioning

confidence: 99%

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A Network-based view of regional growth

Huggins

Thompson

2013

Journal of Economic Geography

132

141

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The need to better understand the mechanisms underlying regional growth patterns is widely recognised. This paper argues that regional growth is partly a function of the value created through inter-organisational flows of knowledge within and across regions. It is proposed that investment in calculative networks by organisations to access knowledge is a form of capital, termed network capital, which should be incorporated into regional growth models. The paper seeks to develop a framework to capture the value of network capital within these models based on the spatial configuration and the nature of the knowledge flowing through networks.

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Section: Inter-organisational Network and Knowledge Flowmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Inter-organisational Network and Knowledge Flowmentioning

confidence: 99%

A Network-based view of regional growth

Huggins

Thompson

2013

Journal of Economic Geography

132

141

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

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“…However, while both approaches give important insights, they are rarely treated together. Most academic analyses evaluating cluster policies have focused on one or the other; typically either case studies highlighting contextual elements (see for example : PARRILLI, 2004;PITELIS et al, 2006;ARANGUREN et al, 2008;BORRAS and TSAGDIS, 2008) or evaluations seeking to quantify direct effects in terms of a specific 'hard' outcome (see for example : HUGGINS, 2001;MCDONALD et al, 2007;MARTIN et al, 2011a;2011b;DE LA MAZA et al, 2012). The reality of cluster policies, however, is that the relationships between tangible and intangible effects are extremely difficult to de-limit.…”

Section: Cluster Policy Evaluationmentioning

confidence: 99%

Nested Methodological Approaches for Cluster Policy Evaluation: An Application to the Basque Country

et al. 2013

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Abstract:This paper explores the evaluation of cluster policies designed to support cooperation and networking. We examine the case of the long-running Basque policy, where support is provided for 'cluster associations'. We first examine empirically the effects of the cluster associations on firm productivity performance, alongside other variables including agglomeration and firm behavioural characteristics. The results provide some weak evidence for the existence of additionality associated with the policy. We complement this empirical work with context-specific knowledge of the policy in question to show that the nesting of both empirical and contextual approaches is crucial for effectively evaluating such policies.

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“…Inter-firm networks consist of companies that are connected with each other through some form of sustained interaction, within which there is necessarily some type of common goal (Huggins 2001). Rosenfeld (1996) extends this split-up of networks by saying that networks may take the form of formal "hard" networks that involve firms joining together to co-produce, co-market, co-purchase, or cooperate in product or market development, or more informal "soft" networks that involve firms joining together to solve common problems, share information, or acquire new skills.…”

Section: Different Types Of Networkmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…It can then be claimed that increasing the time companies commit to initiatives positively affects their sense of belonging within the network, as trust between companies is created. Projects based on informal task-specific initiatives appear to offer the most effective means of inter-company contact (Huggins, 2001). …”

Section: Different Types Of Networkmentioning

confidence: 99%

Energy efficiency in Swedish SMEs: Exploring barriers, knowledge creation and the role of municipal energy efficiency programs

Backman¹

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The overall aim of this thesis is to analyze how municipalities support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in their work to improve their energy efficiency. The purpose of this study is to increase the current understanding of how the methods and tools used by municipalities to assist SMEs in improving their energy efficiency influence the end results in terms of achieved energy efficiency, and how knowledge related to energy efficiency is created within SMEs. This thesis consists of two separate case studies that examine how two municipalities used a network approach to support SMEs in implementing energy efficient measures.The theoretical frameworks of policy networks, barriers, communities of practice (COPs), and energy efficiency networks were used in this thesis. The findings are presented in the appended four articles. An overall conclusion is that networks that provide information in the form of a report with technological solutions as the only output are less likely to reach the agreed-upon goals. To achieve a more successful result, SMEs must be active in the process; they must be allowed to create knowledge and understanding that they perceive as valuable and relevant for themselves. Another important result is that information is not automatically transformed by SMEs into knowledge. In fact, SMEs need a platform from which they can negotiate the received information and use it to create knowledge through practice and social interaction. Finally, it was found that the type of technological solution is not insignificant; the type of energy efficient measure to be implemented and its level of complexity affect how a municipality should support energy efficiency work among SMEs.

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Inter-firm network policies and firm performance: evaluating the impact of initiatives in the United Kingdom

Cited by 93 publications

References 28 publications

A Network-based view of regional growth

A Network-based view of regional growth

Nested Methodological Approaches for Cluster Policy Evaluation: An Application to the Basque Country

Energy efficiency in Swedish SMEs: Exploring barriers, knowledge creation and the role of municipal energy efficiency programs

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