Inter-firm networks are a traditional and yet modern organisational form. In practice they appear as strategic alliances, regional and global networks, joint ventures, value-adding partnerships, and consortia. The Research Group aims at relating theoretical and empirical research on inter-firm networks.

The focus of theoretical research is to develop a theory of inter-firm networking which is based upon structuration theory of Anthony Giddens and which informs management practice as much as empirical research.

Empirical research is oriented at the genesis und management of inter-firm networks, to study their importance for economic performance and technological development.