Title: The business enabling network – a tool for regional development

Authors: Vesa Pikka, Paivi Iskanius, Tom Page

Addresses: Turveruukki Oy, Teknologiantie 12, 90570 Oulu, Finland. ' University of Oulu, Thule Institute, P.O. Box 7300, 90014 Oulu, Finland. ' Loughborough University, Loughborough, LE11 3TU, UK

Abstract: This paper presents the business enabling network model (BEN), which can be utilised in the regional development activities in order to evaluate the current state of a network, and to plan and select development actions to be taken. The BEN model illustrates the networking concept through five elements, which are: 1) goal of the network; 2) trust; 3) competence; 4) infrastructure; 5) continuity. A group of regional actors that should be able to work intentionally must have a common goal that guides the operations and decisions. Working together efficiently insists mutual trust between actors. In order to make business at all in the network there must be competencies that can be utilised to fulfil customer needs. Appropriate infrastructure is prerequisite for the successful business. Finally, continuity, that is, the network must renew itself to sustain its competitiveness.

Keywords: industry clusters; cooperation; social networks; innovation systems; business enabling networks; regional development; network goals; trust; competence; infrastructure; continuity.

DOI: 10.1504/IJIRD.2011.040529

International Journal of Innovation and Regional Development, 2011 Vol.3 No.3/4, pp.324 - 344

Published online: 29 Nov 2014 *

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