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The Multifaceted Role Of The Network Orchestrator — A Longitudinal Case Study

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  • ETTY RAGNHILD NILSEN

    (School of Business, University College of Southeast Norway, Postboks 235, N-3603 Kongsberg, Norway)

  • ANNE HAUGEN GAUSDAL

    (#x2020;Faculty of Technology, Natural Seiences and Maritime Sciences, University College of Southeast Norway, Postboks 235, N-3603 Kongsberg, Norway)

Abstract

This longitudinal empirical case study develops a new framework for the role of the orchestrator of networks of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs). The SME network under study is followed during six years, through five stages of its lifecycle, and demonstrates the complex and multifaceted nature of the role of the network orchestrator. Various roles are needed for the various stages in order to achieve network retention and sustainability. This multifaceted role is found to encompass the roles as knowledge broker, innovation broker, network entrepreneur and leader and strategist, where the latter emerges as the most salient. The similarities with the role of a firm manager seem paradoxial in light of the dominating view of network management, characterized by the concept of distributed and collective leadership.

Suggested Citation

  • Etty Ragnhild Nilsen & Anne Haugen Gausdal, 2017. "The Multifaceted Role Of The Network Orchestrator — A Longitudinal Case Study," International Journal of Innovation Management (ijim), World Scientific Publishing Co. Pte. Ltd., vol. 21(06), pages 1-23, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:wsi:ijimxx:v:21:y:2017:i:06:n:s1363919617500463
    DOI: 10.1142/S1363919617500463
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    3. Paiola, Marco & Schiavone, Francesco & Khvatova, Tatiana & Grandinetti, Roberto, 2021. "Prior knowledge, industry 4.0 and digital servitization. An inductive framework," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 171(C).

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