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The use of networks as a strategic approach of micro-enterprises in the agri-food sector

Brinkmann, Philipp ; Håkansson, Andreas LU orcid ; Butiene, Indre ; Kjærsgard, Hanne ; Mortensen, Birthe Kofoed ; Martens, Janet ; Müller-Hansen, Bitte and Petrenko, Anton (2014) In International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Innovation 15(3). p.169-178
Abstract

Increasing competition and regulatory changes place microsized enterprises (MSEs) in the agri-food sector under strong competitive pressure. Smallness may be a substantial barrier to success. Previous research suggests that networks can be used strategically to combat these constraints. However, there is a lack of understanding of the extent to which this finding may be applicable to MSEs and the local agri-food sector. Based on eight in-depth interviews of agri-food MSEs, it is concluded that MSEs apply networks to strengthen their competitive advantage - for example, by forming stronger customer relationships. The MSEs are using their networks to combat their size-related disadvantages, but not by growing; rather, the networks enable... (More)

Increasing competition and regulatory changes place microsized enterprises (MSEs) in the agri-food sector under strong competitive pressure. Smallness may be a substantial barrier to success. Previous research suggests that networks can be used strategically to combat these constraints. However, there is a lack of understanding of the extent to which this finding may be applicable to MSEs and the local agri-food sector. Based on eight in-depth interviews of agri-food MSEs, it is concluded that MSEs apply networks to strengthen their competitive advantage - for example, by forming stronger customer relationships. The MSEs are using their networks to combat their size-related disadvantages, but not by growing; rather, the networks enable them to remain small and independent while further strengthening their position as small producers.

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author
; ; ; ; ; ; and
publishing date
type
Contribution to journal
publication status
published
keywords
Agri-food sector, Micro-sized enterprises, Networks
in
International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Innovation
volume
15
issue
3
pages
10 pages
publisher
IP Publishing
external identifiers
  • scopus:84924258570
ISSN
1465-7503
DOI
10.5367/ijei.2014.0156
language
English
LU publication?
no
id
6a3c2283-1933-48a7-96e6-ce116055e215
date added to LUP
2019-03-11 13:06:05
date last changed
2025-01-09 03:49:57
@article{6a3c2283-1933-48a7-96e6-ce116055e215,
  abstract     = {{<p>Increasing competition and regulatory changes place microsized enterprises (MSEs) in the agri-food sector under strong competitive pressure. Smallness may be a substantial barrier to success. Previous research suggests that networks can be used strategically to combat these constraints. However, there is a lack of understanding of the extent to which this finding may be applicable to MSEs and the local agri-food sector. Based on eight in-depth interviews of agri-food MSEs, it is concluded that MSEs apply networks to strengthen their competitive advantage - for example, by forming stronger customer relationships. The MSEs are using their networks to combat their size-related disadvantages, but not by growing; rather, the networks enable them to remain small and independent while further strengthening their position as small producers.</p>}},
  author       = {{Brinkmann, Philipp and Håkansson, Andreas and Butiene, Indre and Kjærsgard, Hanne and Mortensen, Birthe Kofoed and Martens, Janet and Müller-Hansen, Bitte and Petrenko, Anton}},
  issn         = {{1465-7503}},
  keywords     = {{Agri-food sector; Micro-sized enterprises; Networks}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  month        = {{01}},
  number       = {{3}},
  pages        = {{169--178}},
  publisher    = {{IP Publishing}},
  series       = {{International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Innovation}},
  title        = {{The use of networks as a strategic approach of micro-enterprises in the agri-food sector}},
  url          = {{http://dx.doi.org/10.5367/ijei.2014.0156}},
  doi          = {{10.5367/ijei.2014.0156}},
  volume       = {{15}},
  year         = {{2014}},
}