The mechanisms and process of entrepreneurial networks: continuity and change.

Drakopoulou Dodd, Sarah; Jack, Sarah; Anderson, Alistair

Abstract

The relevance of networks for entrepreneurship is now well established. However, despite the extent of work carried out there are still clear gaps in our understanding about how networks change and adapt over time and how entrepreneurs actually go about using their networks for entrepreneurship. To deal with these issues we focus on specific network parameters - structure, content and process over time “ and present the findings from a three stage longitudinal research project which combined crosssectional qualitative and quantitative data collection. Our findings confirm, not only the relevance of networking for entrepreneurship, but also illustrate how network contacts and the actual structures of networks changed over time. Moreover, our study demonstrates that the network becomes the mechanism for coping and dealing with change. Indeed, the role of the networked entrepreneur within the wider business environment may be as the agent and catalyst of and for change.

Citation

DRAKOPOULOU DODD, S., JACK, S. and ANDERSON, A.R. 2006. The mechanisms and process of entrepreneurial networks: continuity and change. In Wiklund, J., Dimov, D., Katz, J.A. and Shepherd, D.A. (eds.) Entrepreneurship: frameworks and empirical investigations from forthcoming leaders of European research. Advances in entrepreneurship, firm emergence and growth, 9. Bingley: Emerald [online], pages 107-145. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1016/S1074-7540(06)09005-2

• Online Publication Date: Dec 31, 2006
• Publication Date: Dec 31, 2006
• Deposit Date: Feb 10, 2009
• Publicly Available Date: Feb 10, 2009
• Publisher: Emerald
• Pages: 107-145
• Series Title: Advances in entrepreneurship, firm emergence and growth
• Series Number: 9
• Book Title: Entrepreneurship: frameworks and empirical investigations from forthcoming leaders of European research
• ISBN: 9780762313293
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S1074-7540%2806%2909005-2
• Keywords: Entrepreneurship; Networks; Networking; Mechanisms for change
• Public URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10059/303
• Contract Date: Feb 10, 2009