Series |
Studi e ricerche sulle reti d’impresa
Edited book | Osservatorio Nazionale sulle reti d’impresa 2024
Chapter | 4 • Forme di governance della rete: un’esplorazione dei contratti di rete italiani
4 • Forme di governance della rete: un’esplorazione dei contratti di rete italiani
Abstract
This chapter explores the governance structures of Italian inter-organisational networks, focusing on the normative tool “Contratto di rete” (network contract, L. 33/2009). Using data from the Italian Observatory on Inter-firm Networks (2019, 2021, 2023), it identifies three governance modes: shared governance (decentralised decision-making), lead organisation governance (centralised authority within a dominant member), and network administrative organisation (NAO) governance (external administrative entities). Cluster analysis reveals significant differences in network size, goals, formalisation, and interaction frequency across these modes, highlighting the adaptability of governance structures to specific contexts. This study validates a governance typology established by the literature and identifies hybrid forms, demonstrating how networks balance centralisation, formalisation, and inclusiveness to address operational complexities. The findings provide valuable insights for firms and policymakers on optimising governance structures to enhance collaboration and network performance.
Submitted: Jan. 27, 2025 | Published May 5, 2025 | Language: it
Keywords Lead organization governance • Network governance • Network structure • Network administrative organization (NAO) • Shared governance
Copyright © 2025 Anna Moretti, Elisabeth Mueller. This is an open-access work distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction is permitted, provided that the original author(s) and the copyright owner(s) are credited and that the original publication is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. The license allows for commercial use. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.
Permalink http://doi.org/10.30687/978-88-6969-907-8/004
