Exploring chain, network and cluster collaborative practices:implications for SMEs

Abstract

Collaboration among enterprises has been rendered as one of the most important issues in the business agenda, either as a result of the globalisation and deregulation of markets or as a result of the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) revolution. Both factors have created a business reality where success in the collaboration practices followed, may result in improvements in the competitive position of enterprises. This paper starts from the basic business activity of the individual enterprise, looks into the chain, network and cluster collaborative practices and analyses their characteristics and the implications for Small-Medium Enterprises (SMEs). In addition, it provides insights regarding the opportunities, benefits, requirements and risks related to each collaborative practice. This paper finally argues that different collaboration practices are required, as enterprises and the industrial sectors where they operate, present distinctive characteristics.

Publication DOI: https://doi.org/10.1504/IJNVO.2006.009531
Divisions: College of Engineering & Physical Sciences > School of Infrastructure and Sustainable Engineering > Engineering Systems and Supply Chain Management
College of Engineering & Physical Sciences
Additional Information: Published in the International journal of networking and virtual organisation
Uncontrolled Keywords: chains,clusters,collaborative practices,enterprises,networks,small-medium enterprises (SMEs)
Publication ISSN: 1741-5225
Last Modified: 07 Mar 2024 08:09
Date Deposited: 03 Jul 2014 12:45
Full Text Link:
Related URLs: http://www.scop ... tnerID=8YFLogxK (Scopus URL)
http://www.inde ... .php?artid=9531 (Publisher URL)
PURE Output Type: Article
Published Date: 2006
Authors: Matopoulos, Aristides (ORCID Profile 0000-0002-5083-0534)
Vlachopoulou, Maro
Manthou, Vicky

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