Les nouvelles technologies de l'information et des télécommunications comme outils dans la restructuration des réseaux d'entreprises

In this paper, we tried to show how the use of ICT among networked firms could have an impact on their strategies in case of restructuring. In particular, the existence of an inter-firm network implies a different approach towards the choices to be taken by each participant, because any decision taken can influence, directly or indirectly, the activity of the others. We analysed three possible situations where the structure of the platform can provide regulatory and technical tools in order to smooth the process of restructuring, or vice versa to overcome the possible negative effects : the introduction of a new node to the network through the outsourcing of one of the firms participating, the substitution of a network?s node and finally the crisis of a node of the network. In each case, the existence of an electronic platform among the connected enterprises can provide advantages but also disadvantages.