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Formal and informal innovation networks: a review

Author

Listed:
  • Lyubomir Todorov

    (D. A. Tsenov Academy of Economics, Bulgaria)

  • Margarita Shopova

    (D. A. Tsenov Academy of Economics, Bulgaria)

  • Margarita Bogdanova

    (D. A. Tsenov Academy of Economics, Bulgaria)

  • Evelina Parashkevova

    (D. A. Tsenov Academy of Economics, Bulgaria)

Abstract

The paper addressed the important problem of systematization of empirical research in the field of formal and informal innovation networks. After an extensive literature study of 65 papers from 2003-2023, four thematic areas were formed: innovation network creation, structure and participants; innovation network evolution, activities and interactions; factors influencing innovation networks; and results from innovation network activities for the participants and third parties. Besides them, several interesting topics were discovered concerning network-specific structural forms, peculiarities of adaptive management, and the knowledge transfer mechanics of contracting for innovation. The systematization also showed several contradictions in the results and gaps in the empirical research, which outline the need for more studies about the intensity of formal and informal contact between participants and their influence on the transformation, development and sustainability of the networks and the contribution of formal and informal networks to the diffusion of knowledge and innovations.

Suggested Citation

  • Lyubomir Todorov & Margarita Shopova & Margarita Bogdanova & Evelina Parashkevova, 2024. "Formal and informal innovation networks: a review," Entrepreneurship and Sustainability Issues, VsI Entrepreneurship and Sustainability Center, vol. 12(1), pages 342-361, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:ssi:jouesi:v:12:y:2024:i:1:p:342-361
    DOI: 10.9770/jesi.2024.12.1(23)
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Klerkx, Laurens & Aarts, Noelle & Leeuwis, Cees, 2010. "Adaptive management in agricultural innovation systems: The interactions between innovation networks and their environment," Agricultural Systems, Elsevier, vol. 103(6), pages 390-400, July.
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    innovation; formal networks; informal networks; survey; empirical analysis; systematization;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D85 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Network Formation
    • O31 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Innovation and Invention: Processes and Incentives
    • O32 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Management of Technological Innovation and R&D

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