Knowledge-based Networking Strategies: Characterisation and Case-Study Research

In the current economy, it is impossible to individual firms to manage all the knowledge that is necessary to compete. Hence, networking relationships are an important asset, through which firms can develop their potentialities and access resources of other actors. However, the networking strategies that companies implement can vary, depending on the nature of their competitive conditions and on their specific goals. The paper analyses this topic, and particularly the relationship between networking strategies and knowledge strategies of companies. By developing and combining classifications previously proposed in the literature, the study aims to investigate the way companies set their networking strategies based on their capability and necessity to share knowledge with business partners (clients, suppliers, service providers, etc.)