Title: Sensemaking in collaborative networks: creating and balancing activities in open business models

Authors: Jean-Paul Peronard; Jacob Brix

Addresses: Department of Business Development and Technology, Aarhus BSS, Aarhus University, Birk Centerpark 15, DK-7400 Herning, Denmark ' Department of Learning and Philosophy, Centre for Learning in Organizations, Aalborg University, Kroghstraede 3, DK-9220 Aalborg O, Denmark

Abstract: The purpose of the study is to advance research on open business models as activity systems (Zott and Amit, 2010) in collaborative networks. We utilise Bradley's (1995) theory of exchange behaviour to discuss how new joint activities can be explored and how existing activities can be redesigned to strengthen collaboration between companies. To enable this discussion, we delve into the sensemaking literature and theory from loosely coupled systems. Our discussion leads to the development of the balanced activity system (BAS) model. The paper's key contribution is the prescriptive BAS model, which can be used strategically in collaborative networks to redesign or create new joint activities.

Keywords: collaborative networks; open business models; sensemaking; business development; innovation management.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEIM.2018.095044

International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Innovation Management, 2018 Vol.22 No.6, pp.545 - 561

Accepted: 26 Aug 2016
Published online: 01 Oct 2018 *

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