ICT-related small firms with different collaborative network structures : different species or variations on a theme?

• The aim of this study is to differentiate small firms based on their network structure and observe differences in terms of absolute levels and relationship between ICT capability, networking capability and entrepreneurial orientation. The study's main contribution is towards the "inter-organizational networking research" and entrepreneurship literature. The analysis is based on 291 ICT related Swedish small firms. The results show that small ICT related small firms can be divided into four different clusters, namely; (1) low collaboration with low networking capability, (2) low collaboration with high networking capability, (3) high collaboration with low networking capability, and (4) high collaboration with high networking capability. Small firms with low collaboration and low networking capability were less entrepreneurial compared to the other three groups of firms. However, since networking capability and ICT capability were linked to entrepreneurial orientation it is possible for these firms to improve their situation by developing these two capabilities.

Subject headings

TEKNIK OCH TEKNOLOGIER  -- Annan teknik -- Övrig annan teknik (hsv//swe)

ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY  -- Other Engineering and Technologies -- Other Engineering and Technologies not elsewhere specified (hsv//eng)

Keyword

fasteass

Entreprenörskap och innovation

Entrepreneurship and Innovation

Centre - The Faste Laboratory

Centrumbildning - Fastelaboratoriet

Publication and Content Type

vet (subject category)

kap (subject category)