ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses various types of network of enterprises; each type presents the particular network as a structure of relationships between heterogeneous actors. The heterogeneity of actors refers to business organizations, the individuals within them, institutions, technologies, and other artifacts that participate in the relational dynamics. Research and development networks are usually project based and resemble project networks involved in research and the business application of scientific knowledge. The chapter focuses on the various taxonomies for the network enterprises. It describes various types of networks ranging from the now familiar Chinese Guanxi, Japanese Keiretsu, and Korean Chaebol, to the more contemporary value chain supply networks, corporate networks, and industry clusters. Companies in many industries become connected in large networks of alliances. Alliances are important tools for building and reinforcing the collective competitive advantage or network power. The chapter also discusses various types of alliances ranging from informal to formal and equity.
