Inter-Firm Cooperation Networks: A Historical Perspective

Abstract

Over the last decades, the word “network” has become ubiquitous. It is used in terms such as computer network, social network, postal network, telecommunications network, university network, electrical network, railroad network, road network, airline network, maritime network, distribution network, purchase and sales networks, etc. One could extend to the point of boredom this litany of expressions referring to different types of networks in various fields of activity, expressions that have become familiar to all.