Wieviel Zwang braucht der Dritte Sektor? Die Logik kollektiven Handelns bei Delegation am Beispiel der Industrie- und Handelskammern

Organisations and regional innovative capability: the case of the chambers of commerce and industry in Germany

“…Whereas the chambers in Britain, for example, are associations in which membership is voluntary, German CCIs are corporations under public law with a compulsory membership for all enterprises located in the respective district. The compulsory membership in Germany is aimed at avoiding freeriders that use collective goods-for example, lobbying or social events-without paying for them (Bennett, 2011;Olson, 1965;Schmidt-Trenz, 1996;2006). Thus, in Germany 100% of the enterprises are organised in one of the CCIs, and approximately 60% of these enterprises pay contributions-whereas the other 40% are exempted from contributions due to their firm size.…”

“…First, CCIs may establish rules of conduct for the business community or define quality standards. Second, a dense system of networks within a region may coordinate the regional actors by creating value systems and conventions and fostering trust (Camagni, 2004;Schmidt-Trenz, 1996;2006;Tura and Harmaakorpi, 2005). Thus, the relational capital within a region is strengthened, and the mutual trust between the actors may result in 'emotional' support for innovation decisions and the establishment of information channels (Camagni, 1991;Fromhold-Eisebith, 2004).…”