Networking and growth of young technology-intensive ventures in China☆

摘要: Abstract More often than not, new ventures lack established products, known technologies, longstanding customer relations, experienced managerial teams, sufficient capital, and strong reputations. Almost by definition, small, firms the resources of many larger, firms. The task an infant firm, a measure its success, is to make transition from being resource weak strong. How can that are critical for profitable growth be acquired venture? Researchers have found entrepreneurs gain access valuable they seek achieve competitive advantage through “networking activities.” Forming utilizing available relationships with external organizations allow build credibility, advice, financing, access, positive image obtain at below-market prices, channel information, innovations. Business other entrepreneur desired business results “asset parsimony.” A favorable view toward networking leaves number unanswered questions, however. Relevant research questions might include, who should as partner? Are all inter-organizational equal, or some types more relationships? Do relying on high levels activities actually outperform less actively organizational present study provides specific understanding concept entrepreneurs. We propose understood in terms “range,” resources, “intensity,” frequency contact amount obtained these relationships. This project evaluates range intensity among high-growth low-growth entrepreneurial ventures. Extensive interviewing managers six young technology-oriented People's Republic China (PRC) affirmed importance networking. Managers three reported greater did firms, matched industry age. Moreover, relationship between transcended stage firm development. Where deemed important process, venture success may call reach out deliberately capture needed resources. To certain extent, such run counter motivations independence autonomy. networking, this study, imply need combine spirit reality dependence, balance personal autonomy strategic also contributes entrepreneurship our increasingly global economy, particularly PRC. United States PRC been expanding rapidly last decade. Many foreign businesses license agreements, joint partners, equity participation, country. same rules apply literature suggests States? New were engage processes consistent those West. Although different cultural roots, appeared influenced principles