COMPARATIVE BUSINESS NETWORKS IN EASTERN EUROPE1

This paper represents a comparative analysis of seventeen case studies from Central and Eastern Europe, selected from different published sources. The analysis of these business cases is used to highlight the typical strategic responses of firms to the unstable business environment in the region. It is argued in the paper that the transition to market economy is accompanied by multiple business risks to firms, and these risks have obstructed the adjustment, re-positioning, and restructuring of firms and their business networks. Our selection of cases demonstrates the strategic attempts by firms to transform their relationships not only with buyers and suppliers, but also with foreign partners, financial institutions, and governmental bodies. As a result of our comparative analysis, a new typology of business networks is developed, including: transformed business networks, and newly established business networks. Key words: business networks; international business strategies in Eastern Europe; enterprise restructuring and adjustment; business environment in Central and Eastern Europe