SME network relationships and competitive strategies in the agri-food sector: Some empirical evidence and a provisional conceptual framework
ISSN: 0955-534X
Article publication date: 14 January 2020
Issue publication date: 22 May 2020
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to identify the main factors influencing agri-food small and medium enterprises (SMEs) participation in business networks and to evaluate the impacts of these factors on network structure and the ensuing competitive strategy.
Design/methodology/approach
The study is articulated in four main steps. First, a critical literature review is conducted concerning the main approaches to firm competitive advantage and the role of stakeholder relationships. Then, three research questions are formulated and discussed in the light of two case studies describing the implementation of an innovative contractual solution in Italy (i.e. business network contracts). Finally, based on these findings, a set of more general “propositions” are stated and included in a provisional conceptual model that schematically depicts an integrated vision of the antecedents and mechanisms influencing SMEs business network structure and competitive strategy.
Findings
The study results pointed out the opportunity to adopt an integrated approach, combining resource-based view and stakeholder causal scope approaches. The provisional conceptual model proposed illustrates the role of both external and internal resources and relational constructs to shaping network structure and competitive strategy.
Originality/value
The study’s contribution is twofold. First, the empirical study shed light on opportunities and limits of two business networks with different backgrounds, approaches and outcomes towards value creation. Second, the conceptual framework proposed advances our understanding and knowledge of the factors and mechanisms influencing SMEs business network structure and competitive strategy.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors declare that no competing interests exist and that the research did not receive any financial support from a third party.
Citation
Camanzi, L. and Giua, C. (2020), "SME network relationships and competitive strategies in the agri-food sector: Some empirical evidence and a provisional conceptual framework", European Business Review, Vol. 32 No. 3, pp. 405-424. https://doi.org/10.1108/EBR-08-2019-0150
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2020, Emerald Publishing Limited