Networking Strategies as Enabler for Competitive Advantage Creation: market-based and resource-based Perspectives

Abstract

This paper explores the potential of networking strategy as a source of competitive advantage by integrating market-based and resource-based logics. It contributes to production economics literature by considering not just supply chain network structures but also others kinds of network that can emerge from horizontal agreements (i.e. alliances, partnerships, joint ventures, consortia, etc.). The paper reviews the literature and develops propositions regarding how make/buy/make together decisions, governance mechanisms and network-base structures allow firms both to pursue pre fixed operations performance objectives and obtain/create valuable resources. The practical applications of the propositions are illustrated with two case studies.