Routledge The Business of Networks: Inter-Firm Interaction, Institutional Policy and the TEC Experiment (Routledge Revivals)

Product Description This title was first published in 2000: The first book which brings together and interprets both the theoretical concepts associated with the study of networks in the business world, and the policy applications being applied to the practical building and development of such networks. It maps the changes in the culture of economic development policy that occurred in the UK during the 1990s, incorporating a detailed assessment of the contribution that the Training and Enterprise Councils made to business support policies. The book is published at a time when network and cluster building has risen to the top of economic development agendas not only in UK, but in many countries throughout the world. It offers the most detailed insight so far available into the structure, motivations and processes involved in developing business networks through institutional intervention. The book is relevant to anyone with an interest in business policy and theory. Review ’Business networks are a key element of the geography of local economic development. This book is one of the first to develop the theory of networks and match it with sound empirical analysis. Huggin’s makes a very important contribution to contemporary debates.’ Professor R.J. Bennett, University of Cambridge ’...very well worth reading ... an enlivening contribution to SME policy debates and understanding SME’s articulation with each other and the wider economy.’ International Small Business Journal ’This book is highly recommended for policy-makers and anyone interested in inter-firm networks and intervention policy for regional economical development. It gives a very good view on the position of public policy between government and firms, and the executive measures that try to increase regional competitiveness. The book makes the concept of inter-firm networks less volatile and gives thorough insight into the workings, the building and the logics of networks by means of intervention policy.’ Tijdschrift voor Economische en Sociale Geografie About the Author Robert Huggins, Senior Research Associate, Cardiff University, UK