Social networks and the entrepreneurial process in molecular biotechnology in Southern Italy

This chapter analyses the changes in the composition and perceived importance of the networks mobilized by southern Italian biotechnology organizations at start-up and at later stages, in order to identify the role played by different types of actors in the acquisition of key resources for formation and early development. The analysis shows that the creation and survival of these organizations depends heavily on the initial network established by the entrepreneurial team, and on the ability of this team to retain and expand the alliances with critical actors.