ABSTRACT
This chapter assesses the role of Training and Enterprise Councils (TECs) as cultivators and catalysts of inter-firm, or business, networks in their respective localities. The concept of networks has become popular in theorising and describing contemporary organisational relationships, particularly linkages between firms situated within the same geographic locale. TECs consider that such forums are not only very important ‘triggers’ to stimulating networking but also ensure a platform for embedding and integrating businesses into the local community. Programmes relating to innovation, product development, technology transfer, technology clubs and venture capital or access to finance were the least effective for network generation. Purchasing, marketing, sales and distribution partnerships are mainly the outputs of those business networks which have been set up through regional supply initiatives, small business clubs, export clubs, as well as specific businesses network programmes. The most important attitudinal constraint normally associated with networking is that of a lack of trust between the network protagonists.
