Motivations and challenges of network formation: Entrepreneur and intermediary perspectives

Abstract

This article presents findings from 14 in-depth interviews looking into the motivations and challenges of intermediaries and entrepreneurs engaged in the formation of a networking group for the information and communication technologies sector. The findings show that issues around communication and expectations exist and that the mechanisms used to address this problem create an environment that promotes a short term perspective, overlooking the importance of social relations. To overcome these issues, it is important that policymakers and entrepreneurs work in partnership to ensure resources are targeted appropriately and in a way that is conducive to supporting an entrepreneurial environment in the long term.

Preconditions for Emergence of Lithuanian Clusters: from Informal Cooperation to Its Legitimation

“…Nesant aiškios ateities vizijos ir interesų ir lūkesčių suderinimo, industrinės sistemos formavimasis neretai sustoja ties są-veikų etapu (pavyzdžiui, žr. Lockett et al, 2013). Pabrėžtina tai, kad nors pirmieji inicijuojantys įvykiai ir pirmosios iniciatyvos paprastai randasi greitai ir netikėtai, veikėjų būrimasis į saviorganizuojančią industrinę kompleksinę adaptyvią sistemą yra ilgalaikis procesas, reikalaujantis racionalumo.…”

The kindergarten of entrepreneurship: Developing entrepreneurial spirit and skills through community building at universities

“…While the expectation of potential opportunities creates a symbiotic relationship between intermediaries and entrepreneurs, in that one party can create opportunities for the other, the modus operandi seems to be toleration of a lack of knowledge about what each other's needs are [3].…”

“…Organizations within a university that foster entrepreneurship can be viewed as intermediaries [3]. Their main motivation is to facilitate an environment for entrepreneurial opportunities and their main challenge is attracting (potential) entrepreneurs [3].…”

“…Their main motivation is to facilitate an environment for entrepreneurial opportunities and their main challenge is attracting (potential) entrepreneurs [3]. We are interested in understanding how students participating in university intermediaries can 'learn' entrepreneurship, given that the act of learning involves a complex, cultural and historical systemic conference , which has accumulated knowledge over time.…”

Sustaining business networks: Understanding the benefit bundles sought by members of local business associations

“…The literature demonstrates that there are a range of motivations for joining small business networks (Lawton Smith and Romeo, 2013;Lockett et al, 2013). However, while attention has been paid to how benefits are provided (supply side), little consideration has been given to understanding the nature of, and reasons for variation in, the benefits sought by members.…”