Entrepreneurship and social networks in IT sectors: the case of the software industry in Portugal

Isabel Salavisa, Pedro Videira and Filipa Santos

Journal of Innovation Economics, 2009, vol. n° 4, issue 2, 15-39

Abstract: Empirical research has repeatedly confirmed that social networks are important for the creation, survival and growth of new companies. In this article, the leading research questions are: 1) how do networks contribute to the creation of software firms and further development of a competitive IT sector; 2) what is the structure and features of those networks; 3) how have they evolved from the companies? founding stage to the current period; 4) what resources (scientific and technological knowledge, skills, and others) do entrepreneurs mobilize through their networks. Based on a survey of 13 companies, those research questions have been tested, using a methodology that combines applied statistical techniques and social network analysis. Our results seem to support our research questions. They also show that some companies and research units play a relevant role as brokers in the access of many companies to technological, informational and other resources. JEL Codes: L26, M13, L86, L96

Keywords: entrepreneurship; social network analysis; firm creation; IT Subsector; software industry (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: L26 L86 L96 M13 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2009
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