The Business of Networks: Inter-Firm Interaction, Institutional Policy and the TEC Experiment / Edition 1

by Robert Huggins

Overview

This title was first published in 2000: The first book which brings together and interprets both the theoretical concepts associated with the study of networks in the business world, and the policy applications being applied to the practical building and development of such networks. It maps the changes in the culture of economic development policy that occurred in the UK during the 1990s, incorporating a detailed assessment of the contribution that the Training and Enterprise Councils made to business support policies. The book is published at a time when network and cluster building has risen to the top of economic development agendas not only in UK, but in many countries throughout the world. It offers the most detailed insight so far available into the structure, motivations and processes involved in developing business networks through institutional intervention. The book is relevant to anyone with an interest in business policy and theory.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781138716025
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	11/04/2019
Series:	Routledge Revivals
Pages:	234
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x (d)

About the Author

Robert Huggins, Senior Research Associate, Cardiff University, UK

Table of Contents

Contents: Introduction; The socio-economics of networks; Space, place and policy intervention; TECs and their network policies - the early years; Business co-operation and TECs - developing networks; The evolution of TECs and networked economic development; Evaluating network policies; The success and failure of implanted networks; Conclusions; References; Index.

Editorial Reviews

’Business networks are a key element of the geography of local economic development. This book is one of the first to develop the theory of networks and match it with sound empirical analysis. Huggin’s makes a very important contribution to contemporary debates.’ Professor R.J. Bennett, University of Cambridge ’...very well worth reading ... an enlivening contribution to SME policy debates and understanding SME’s articulation with each other and the wider economy.’ International Small Business Journal ’This book is highly recommended for policy-makers and anyone interested in inter-firm networks and intervention policy for regional economical development. It gives a very good view on the position of public policy between government and firms, and the executive measures that try to increase regional competitiveness. The book makes the concept of inter-firm networks less volatile and gives thorough insight into the workings, the building and the logics of networks by means of intervention policy.’ Tijdschrift voor Economische en Sociale Geografie

From the Publisher

This book examines the extent to which TECs have facilitated the ability of companies to collaborate and cooperate through inter- firm networks in the UK. Huggins (Cardiff U.) explores a number of issues, including the TECs role as cultivator of inter-firm networks, the awareness in government of the concept of inter-firm networks, the effectiveness of initiative to generate more networking, the effect of changing from Conservative to Labor government on development strategies, and the success or failure of different networking models. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

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