Manufacturing networking: The role of trust intermediaries and interorganizational information systems

Small manufacturers are increasingly collaborating by joining manufacturing networks. Barriers to networking are lowered with effective intermediaries and interorganizational information systems. Intermediaries facilitate networks, manage relationships among participants, interface with customers, teach skills, and/or provide specialized expertise. One of the most important functions of the intermediary is the establishment and maintenance of trust. Information systems support communication and collaboration in these networks. The diffusion of information technology to support manufacturing networks is aided by intermediaries.