The use of networks as a strategic approach of micro-enterprises in the agri-food sector
(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
- Brinkmann, Philipp ; Håkansson, Andreas LU ; Butiene, Indre ; Kjærsgard, Hanne ; Mortensen, Birthe Kofoed ; Martens, Janet ; Müller-Hansen, Bitte and Petrenko, Anton
- publishing date
- 2014-01-01
- 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
- 2022-01-31 18:04:22
@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}},
}