No concept is an island: conceptualising (in) the industrial network approach

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to inquire into how conceptualising is done in the industrial network approach (INA). Design/methodology/approach The description and analysis of conceptualising is based on key INA references and an example illustrating the characteristics of conceptualising in individual studies. Findings The paper concludes that there is an open and interactive way of conceptualising in the INA. The empirical and theoretical grounding achieved through combining concepts in individual empirical studies interplays with conceptual development in the research community over time. Research limitations/implications Three paradoxes are suggested for further discussion of conceptualising as a key element in theorising in the INA community. Originality/value By explicating how INA researchers engage in conceptualising both in individual empirical studies and as a community, the authors identify characteristics similar to the empirical phenomena in focus of the research: interaction, combining and heterogeneity of concepts.