Activities and Resources of Institutional Actors in International Development Projects

Abstract

In this paper, we draw on industrial network research to analyze the activities and capabilities of institutional actors in project networks. We use the concept of ‘political embeddedness’ to show how business and political exchange can be interrelated in industrial networks, with business actors engaging in political behaviour and institutional actors taking on business roles such as purchasing. We report on a comparative case study that encompasses three international project networks, which vary according to the type and role of institutional actors. Our case analysis shows the multifaceted activities and capabilities of institutional actors, in terms of: 1) their relationships with firms and other institutional actors, and 2) their role and importance in the network. We also conclude that these activities and capabilities have implications for international project marketers in terms of their activities at each stage of the project cycle. As our empirical cases come from developing countries of Africa and Asia we will also provide knowledge and implications for business in the developing and emerging economies of these regions.