Title: Mobilisation of issue networks: the case of fighting heart disease in Finland

Authors: Tiina Ritvala, Asta Salmi

Addresses: Helsinki School of Economics, P.O. Box 1210, FI-00101 Helsinki, Finland. ' Helsinki School of Economics, P.O. Box 1210, FI-00101 Helsinki, Finland

Abstract: In this study we examine the mobilisation processes of public, private and third sector actors to solve pressing contemporary issues. We develop an analytical framework that integrates the business network and institutional entrepreneurship literature to investigate the initial mobilisation processes of issue networks. Empirically, we focus on collective actions in Finland to tackle heart disease, which is a pressing global health issue. Our results stress the role of network mobilisers in creating institutional change by framing the issues and connecting different networks. We argue that network relationships are the key resource for creating institutional change and solving common issues.

Keywords: issue networks; actor mobilisation; institutional change; collective action; historical case study; heart disease; functional foods; Finland; business networks; institutional entrepreneurship; organisational change.

DOI: 10.1504/IJBE.2009.028792

International Journal of Business Environment, 2009 Vol.2 No.4, pp.400 - 417

Published online: 30 Sep 2009 *

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