In the present days, to compete in a global economy, organizations are increasingly establishing business networks with partners. However, the collaboration required to create a business network poses many challenges to governance. Processes, structures, information, systems, and cultures have to be balanced for effective performance. A competitive advantage is usually determined by business networks rather than individual organizations. Such advantage depends on the ability to organize, build and sustain a value for the network rather than a value for each individual organization.

The research group Business Network Dynamics (BuNeD) conducts research on how business networks are built and organized. The research focus of the group is the study of the dynamics (development, growth, and decline) of business networks at the group, firm and sector levels. We approach this research core from the areas of operations, supply chain, information systems, marketing, and organizational theory.

MAIN LINES OF RESEARCH

·         Supply chain integration

This line investigates the main dimensions underlying the supply chain integration concept, the impact of the different dimensions of integration on firms’ performance and the moderating effect of business conditions (i.e. what dimensions are more appropriate under different business environments). 

·         The extension of sustainable practices to business networks

The aim of this line is to investigate how companies are implementing sustainable practices and how they are extending them to other supply chain members.

·         The socio-technical development of business networks

The development of business networks often involves deep social and technical intra-firm and inter-firm transformations. This line of research is devoted to study the circumstances which lead to success or failure of such projects.

·         Strategy, standardization and management of information infrastructures

The operation of business network are usually supported by sets of interrelated technological components (information infrastructure) that are usually not controlled by a unique organization and that tend two grow as the business network structure and boundaries change. This line of research aims to study aspects related with the standardization and management of these infrastructures.