Introduction

Network concepts have evolved into important instruments for theorising and describing contemporary organisational relationships, in particular the linkages, exchanges and interaction that take place between firms. These relationships are often termed inter-firm, or business, networks, and their study has been increasingly connected to explanations of industrial competitiveness and economic development. In the United Kingdom context, most studies have focused on finding evidence and evaluating the prevalence of existing inter-firm networks within localities and regions. The introduction of Training and Enterprise Councils was to a large extent related to recognition by the Conservative Government of the time that the most effective economic development policies are provided by institutions that themselves act like entrepreneurial businesses. Institutions acting in such a manner are said to be operating as ‘policy’ or ‘civic’ entrepreneurs, introducing policy change and innovation that are new to the locality or region adopting it. This chapter also presents an overview on the key concepts discussed in this book.