@article{Deiters:198916,
      recid = {198916},
      author = {Deiters, Jivka and Heuss, Esther},
      title = {Factors Influencing the Performance of German Food SME  Formal Networks},
      journal = {International Journal on Food System Dynamics},
      address = {2014-09},
      number = {1012-2016-81245},
      pages = {12},
      year = {2014},
      abstract = {The food sector in Europe can be characterized as a  complex, global and dynamically changing network of  trade
streams, food supply network relations and related  product flows which offers a big spectrum for economic  output
and employment. Innovation is important for the  competitiveness of the food industry that is to a large  extent
comprised of small and medium sized enterprises  (SMEs). For them, innovation has grown extremely  subordinate to
interaction in networks. Network initiatives  that could provide appropriate support involve social  interaction and
knowledge exchange, learning and competence  development, and coordination (organization) and management  of
implementation. This paper is designed to assess the  factors that affect the performance of German food  SME
formal networks. It also addresses the consequences at  the network and macro level. The analysis was explored  by
using the laddering technique based on the means‐end  chain theory. The findings will help to build up a  “network
learning toolbox” that is adapted to the  particular requirements of the different target groups such  as of SMEs,
network managers and policy makers. The  “network learning toolbox” should improve network learning,  which is a
driver for improvements in innovation, economic  growth and sustainable competitive advantage for food  SMEs.},
      url = {http://ageconsearch.umn.edu/record/198916},
      doi = {https://doi.org/10.22004/ag.econ.198916},
}