ABSTRACT
This contribution deals with inter-firm and inter-institution networks and their support to foster environment-oriented technological innovation in companies.1 Those companies being part of a network profit from several advantages, i.e., additional access to inputs and employees, access to information and knowledge, access to institutions, etc. (Porter, 2000). Innovation is one driving force to create and maintain such networks. Within the innovation process the role of each network partner or actor changes during a particular innovation project. Why and how such innovation networks are initiated is one of the most significant research questions. Different disciplines are dealing with this topic.
