The role of proximity relations in the integration process into the network: an analysis of CEOs’ life narratives

Abstract

This article looks at the collaboration relations of CEOs during different phases of the integration process into a network by using various proximity dimensions. Based on the life narratives of 21 CEO members belonging to a regional network, our study underlines that three integration phases exist, within which different proximity forms are mobilised. Whereas, institutional, personal and social proximities are significant during the entry phase, temporary geographical and cognitive proximities appear to be essential for building collaboration. Moreover, if social and personal dimensions play essential roles in starting collaborations, we note that social proximity remains less decisive for joint collaborative projects. These results enrich recent debates about the dimensions of proximity. They open lines of thinking about ways to encourage the integration of new members.

Entrepreneurial networks, geographical proximity, and their relationship to firm growth: a study of 241 small high-tech firms

“…Informal ties (family members, and colleagues, etc. ), which have been stated in other studies (Delmar & Shane, 2003 ; Hite & Hesterly, 2001 ; Sabbado et al, 2021 ), may be more dominant in the start-up stage of the firm. However, the informal aspects of such networks often mean they are taken for granted because the value as a network is not appreciated and may not be fully utilized.…”

Rethinking the role of local knowledge networks in territorial innovation models

“…Empirically, the authors collect primary data on 38 firms in the new media industry located in the cluster of Bangalore (India) and Beijing (China). Similar to Sabbado et al (2021), this investigation is another illustration of the power of qualitative approaches to the study of knowledge networks. On the basis, the authors identify noticeable differences between the two clusters and their respective networks, with the one in Beijing being strongly shaped by institutional processes and political influence while a much more bottom-up growth process is observed in the case of Bangalore.…”

“…The first paper in this special issue (Sabbado et al 2021) discusses recent developments in the investigation of proximities and highlights that many contemporary studies treat proximities as being static, while in fact, they evolve over time. Notwithstanding some contributions on (quantitative) evolution of proximities over time (Balland 2012;Balland, De Vaan, and Boschma 2013;Broekel 2015;Lazzeretti and Capone 2016;Broekel and Bednarz 2018), yet, little is still known about these dynamicsin particular, from a qualitative perspective.…”

“…Much of this research is employing quantitative methods (Hermans 2021). Complementing these studies with qualitative approaches, more longitudinal data (as Sabbado et al 2021) and multiple case study analyses (Stake 2013) will deepen the understanding of network processes within and between territorial innovation models even further. In addition, less attention has been paid to the types of knowledge diffusing within local knowledge networks, which is, however, shown to be of relevance for their working (Aral 2016 ;Aral and van Alstyne 2011).…”