Networks as Powerful Tools to Overcome SMEs' Difficulties in Innovation and Internationalization Processes

Abstract

This dissertation aims to investigate whether networks have a crucial role in leveraging the processes of innovation and internationalization within SMEs. It starts presenting the network as a form of organization. It follows analysing the reasons that bring firms to participate into networks, its formation process and the related difficulties. Of course, more attention will be put on innovation and internationalization. Different types of governance are then presented and critical considerations are raised as regards the effectiveness of networks. Finally, a case study analysis, conducted in a consortium of firms operating in the lighting industry is proposed. The purpose is to empirically assess the effective contribution that networks can give to SMEs.