TY - JOUR

T1 - Motivations and challenges of network formation

T2 - entrepreneur and intermediary perspectives

AU - Lockett, Nigel

AU - Jack, Sarah

AU - Larty, Joanne

PY - 2013/12

Y1 - 2013/12

N2 - This article presents findings from 14 in-depth interviews looking into the motivations and challenges of intermediaries and entrepreneurs engaged in the formation of a networking group for the information and communication technologies sector. The findings show that issues around communication and expectations exist and that the mechanisms used to address this problem create an environment that promotes a short term perspective, overlooking the importance of social relations. To overcome these issues, it is important that policymakers and entrepreneurs work in partnership to ensure resources are targeted appropriately and in a way that is conducive to supporting an entrepreneurial environment in the long term.

AB - This article presents findings from 14 in-depth interviews looking into the motivations and challenges of intermediaries and entrepreneurs engaged in the formation of a networking group for the information and communication technologies sector. The findings show that issues around communication and expectations exist and that the mechanisms used to address this problem create an environment that promotes a short term perspective, overlooking the importance of social relations. To overcome these issues, it is important that policymakers and entrepreneurs work in partnership to ensure resources are targeted appropriately and in a way that is conducive to supporting an entrepreneurial environment in the long term.

KW - Regional networks

KW - Regional economic development

KW - Network formation

KW - entrepreneurs

KW - intermediaries

U2 - 10.1177/0266242612448383

DO - 10.1177/0266242612448383

M3 - Journal article

VL - 31

SP - 866

EP - 889

JO - International Small Business Journal

JF - International Small Business Journal

SN - 0266-2426

IS - 8

ER -