This thesis aims to examine the dynamics and interplay between contextual factors and
network features and their role in SME network evolution, with a view to building a
theory of how context and features affect SME network performance outcomes. Given
the complexity of the phenomenon under investigation, a case study methodology was
employed. Specifically, four cases of Greek agrifood SME networks were selected of
which two exhibited strong performance and two relatively weak performance.
Following literature review, the influence of three categories of contextual factor
{market conditions, social cohesiveness, external institutional support), and three types
of network feature {member profile, competencies, network governance) were examined
empirically via the case studies. The research found that all six had some individual
influence on performance, but beyond this, certain patterns of interplay between factors
could be distinguished. In particular, certain positive .factors were found to counteract
the negative influence of other existing (or lacking) factors. Specifically, in terms of
network features, governance structure was found to have a countervailing effect over
negative performance outcomes produced by diverse member profile and lack of
competencies. In addition, the competencies of the constructor of the governance
structure were also important in overcoming deficiencies in other features. In terms of
network context, social cohesiveness seemed to have a countervailing effect over
contextual disincentives for network strengthening, such as unfavourable market
conditions or lack of external institutional support. Overall, the research finds that
network features are key to explaining the variability in performance displayed by SME
networks operating in a very similar context, since they moderate the impacts of external
forces on the evolution and performance outcomes of those networks. The research
concludes with a proposed framework to explain how context, features and outcomes
interact in SME networks
