Exploring dynamic multi-level linkages in inter-organizational networks

When an organization pursues the goals specific to its environment, networks are constructed to gain various resources from other collaborators. However, most individual studies on inter-organizational network have taken a simplified view of relationships among member organizations by focusing on a static and single level linkage. This paper proposes a multi-level approach to integrate resource, organization and network levels and explores the relationship between these levels. This enables us to identify a set of important micro, meso and macro linkages between resource, organization and network. Operational measures and results are illustrated via a case study from an incubator system of Xi'an High-tech Park of China. The case study demonstrates that one level triggers the changes of other levels. © Springer Science + Business Media, LLC 2006.