Corporate networks and We-Relation: the italian experience

To be competitive today, it is essential to create corporate/business networks, especially for those small and medium companies that do not have the capacity to internationalize their product or invest in research and development. Starting from an analysis of Italian cases, the main idea supported in this research is that a simple network of actors/ companies involved in a system of relations, is not a sufficient condition to create the premises for economic growth, competitiveness and innovation. To create a successful corporate network, it is necessary a common aim sharing, oriented to the 'We-relation'. We-Relation is the foundation of all effective communication (Ostrow 1990), it is possible only in the face to face situation (Schutz and Luckmann 1973) and enhance the Trust between human beings (Vaitkus 1991). The essential features of We-relation can be seen in reflection, after the concrete We relation has come to on end (Schuz 1976) and it is impossible to construct the same thing on the web (Bakardjieva 2005). The research has also tried to classify the types of corporate networks that currently exist (subdivided in vertical, horizontal, transversal, informal) as well as understand how to establish relationships capable of determining positive results in terms of effectiveness and sustainability.