Business Networks Research Articles

Content diversity under a digital regime: a case study of the television broadcasting industry in Indonesia

This study explores the impact of digitalization on public space by examining Indonesia’s content diversity after television broadcasting digitalization, which comes late due to challenges posed by competing interests. Content diversity has an important role in fulfilling the public’s rights over information. Broadcasting digitalization can multiply the number of broadcasters which may increase the content diversity. Unfortunately, existing regulations have yet to regulate content diversity clearly. The market structure also remained the same despite digitalization. Thus, this qualitative research aims to empirically assess content diversity by observing television programs in Yogyakarta and Jakarta. This study demonstrates that the broadcast transition to digital has not been proven to encourage content diversity. This is because the concentration of ownership and digital broadcasting networks has an impact on the emergence of similar content with limited type of program variations. Thus, without clear regulations on content diversity and ownership, digital shift cannot change the fundamental structure of the Indonesian broadcasting industry and perpetuate the system dominated by old stakeholders. Recognizing the limited contribution of broadcast digitalization in improving content diversity will contribute to a review of basic rules regarding ownership, business network, and genre-based content production.

Effect of Women’s Involvement in Small and Medium-Scale Enterprises on their Economic Empowerment in Calabar, Cross River State

This study examined small and medium-scale enterprises and women’s economic empowerment in Calabar, Cross River State. It specifically examined the effect of women’s involvement in SMEs on their economic empowerment dimensions such as financial independence, skills development and business networking opportunities. The study adopted a cross-sectional research design. A structured questionnaire was used to obtain primary data from 337 female operators of SMEs in Calabar. The data were descriptively analyzed, while the study hypotheses were tested using simple linear regression in the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). After the analysis, it was found that women’s involvement in SMEs operations had a significant positive effect on their financial independence, skills development and business networking opportunities in Calabar. Hence, the study recommended that women in Cross River State should genuinely be supported with financial, technical and material resources to get fully involved in entrepreneurship through SMEs in order to improve their financial independence, ensuring self-employment, income generation, and asset ownership to support their families. It was also recommended that the Government of Cross River State and relevant stakeholders should introduce credible and fully-funded programmes that enable women to gain and improve valuable entrepreneurial skills to effectively engage in SME operations in order to attain sustainable economic empowerment. Additionally, the study recommended that stakeholders in the private sector, including industrialists, non-governmental organizations, and trade associations, among others should encourage female entrepreneurs to participate in networking events, professional associations, workshops and conferences in order to build valuable connections to grow their business.

Learning From Failure: How Founders Transform Startup Setbacks into Success

This study explores how startup founders can transform early failures into long-term success. The research aims to identify key strategies and practices employed by founders to address and overcome failures. A Systematic Literature Review (SLR) methodology is utilized to analyze existing studies on startup failures and the recovery efforts undertaken by founders. The findings indicate that successful founders leverage strong business networks, continuous innovation, and personal motivation to propel their companies forward. Additionally, the development of a competent and diverse team, along with effective communication with investors, significantly enhances the likelihood of success. The study concludes that although early failures are common among startups, such failures can become valuable experiences that contribute to future success when managed strategically.

IMPROVING MARKETING PERFORMANCE THROUGH BUSINESS NETWORKS AND ECO BRAND RESONANCE CAPABILITY

This study aims to analyze the influence of business networks on eco brand resonance capability. It examines the impact of business networks and eco brand resonance capability on product competitive advantage, and the effect of product competitive advantage on marketing performance. The research sample consists of 110 respondents from small and medium-sized batik enterprises in Central Java. The analysis tool used is SEM AMOS version 21. The findings indicate that the stronger the business networks, the higher the eco brand resonance capability; the stronger the business networks and eco brand resonance capability, the greater the product competitive advantage; and the higher the product competitive advantage, the better the marketing performance. KEYWORDS: business network; eco brand resonance capability; product competitive advantage; marketing performance.

Network Integration as a Tool for Sustainable Business Development

Business enterprises are required to adopt new economic models and business strategies in line with global trends such as the green agenda, the shortening of innovation cycles, digitalization (networking platforms) and socio-economic security. The models of network integrations (clusters, industrial symbioses, innovation ecosystems, etc.) are developing faster than other business models. Networking allows businesses to synergetically, based on the principles of collaboration, trust and self-organization, increase intellectual, innovative, social, and environmental values, which leads to economic growth and sustainable development. Through networking integration, the business performance of all participants in multi-company projects can be improved, regardless of their size and activities. The purpose of this study is to develop a methodological framework for assessing the synergistic effect and the level of collaborative maturity of participants in network industrial integration. This paper provides a comprehensive analysis and evaluation of network business integration efficiency. The authors’ methodology is based on the AHP hierarchy method, expert evaluation and Harrington’s level of desirability. The methodology is validated on Russian industrial integrations: industrial cluster of Nizhny Novgorod region; pipeline valve manufacturing cluster; South Ural industrial cluster producing spare parts and assembly units for roadbuilding, construction and agricultural vehicles. The results show that the level of collaborative maturity of business partners and the synergies from network integration effect the sustainability of business development. Recommendations for businesses are provided to improve their network integration and collaborative maturity. Furthermore, the findings allow the authors to define directions for further research, considering the interests of the business community, regional authorities, and financial institutions, and provide a framework for researchers to investigate the link between industrial network integration and economic growth.

Leveraging Advanced Machine Learning Algorithms for Enhanced Cyberattack Detection on U.S. Business Networks

Cyberattacks' rising volume and sophistication have made conventional security measures, such as firewalls, signature-based intrusion detection systems, and antivirus software, increasingly inadequate. The upsurge of cyber threats has been one of the most pressing predicaments for U.S. organizations in the digital age. With the increased dependence on internet-based forums, cloud computing, and interconnected networks, companies face an advancing number of extreme cyberattacks. The chief objective of this research project is to design and deploy proven machine learning methods to enhance the detection and combating of cyberattacks on U.S. organization networks. This research project retrieved a cyber-attack dataset from Kaggle.com, which had a collection of public datasets of cyber threats. This dataset was curated precisely, offering a realistic representation of cyber-attack scenarios, making it an ideal playground for various analytical tasks. The collection was classified as per the source of the relevant information, such as host-based datasets, network traffic datasets, malware or fraud reports, or a special section for datasets that can be classified according to a specific source. The dataset comprised numerous network traffic attributes such as source and destination IP addresses, ports, protocol, payload size, and attack labels. For this research project, three machine learning algorithms were used, namely: Logistic Regression, XG-Boost and Random Forest. This research project applied performance metrics such as accuracy, precision, recall, and F1 score for the performance of the classification models were considered. The result illustrated that the random forest model was far superior in accuracy compared to the logistic regression model; particularly, it had excellent accuracy. Through the use of advanced machine learning models, organizations will be in a position to devise more dynamic and intelligent security systems that evolve with the threat landscape. These intelligent systems monitor every kind of anomaly, malicious activity, and threat response with unparalleled effectiveness. The findings of this research project have significant implications for enhancing cybersecurity in U.S. organizational networks.

Model Sustainability Competitive Advantage for Manufacturing SMEs: A Structural Equation Modelling Approach

This study aims to analyze the influence of strategic drivers on cleaner production and increasing the sustainable competitiveness of manufacturing Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Indonesia. The manufacturing SMEs studied were the Batik cloth and clothing industry. The number of samples in this research was 365 Batik SME entrepreneurs in Indonesia, taken using a purposive sampling method. The analysis data used is Partial Least Square-Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM). This study found that strategic drivers, namely entrepreneurial orientation and management knowledge orientation, directly affect cleaner production and indirectly affect the sustainable competitive advantage of Batik SMEs in Indonesia. Cleaner production, innovation capabilities, and business networks directly influence the sustainable competitive advantage of Batik SMEs in Indonesia. This research contributes to developing a model of sustainable competitive advantage in SMEs using a strategic driver and environmental sustainability approach. This article aims to study the factors influencing sustainable competitive advantage in manufacturing industries in developing countries.

Antecedents of Startup Company Performance in Indonesia: A Pathway Towards Achieving Sustainable Development Goals

Objective: This study examines CEO competency's impact on business performance in startup companies, particularly in Indonesia. It also explores the mediating role of business networks in this relationship. Theoretical Framework: The study builds on theories of leadership competency and network theory to investigate how the competencies of startup CEOs influence both business performance directly and indirectly through the development of business networks. Method: The study employs Structural Equation Modeling-Partial Least Squares (SEM PLS) to analyse data collected from 300 respondents drawn from a population of 2,419 startup companies in Indonesia. Results and Discussion: The findings reveal that CEO competency significantly positively affects both business performance and the establishment of business networks. Furthermore, business networks also positively influence business performance. The study confirms that business networks serve as a crucial mediating factor in the relationship between CEO competency and business performance, strengthening the overall performance of startup companies. Research Implications: These results offer practical insights for startup CEOs, suggesting that enhancing leadership competencies and fostering business networks can significantly improve business outcomes. The findings also contribute to the broader understanding of how leadership skills in startups can mitigate the high failure rates in this sector. Originality/Value: This research is the first to empirically investigate the role of CEO competency in startup business performance in Indonesia, specifically focusing on the mediating role of business networks. Its novelty lies in addressing startups' high failure rates through the lens of leadership and networking.

The Role of Social Networks in International Trade and Economic Development

In an era of global trade, cultural differences and trade barriers persist, impacting international business transactions among companies. However, research has revealed that individuals within the same social network, regardless of their physical location, experience a mitigation of information asymmetry. This, in turn, facilitates the establishment of robust cross-border business relationships and enhances the efficiency of international trade. This effect is particularly pronounced among immigrants, who often maintain social networks that bridge cultural gaps and foster social connections. Such networks can markedly amplify the volume of trade for businesses. Moreover, these social networks play a pivotal role in facilitating market entry. Sharing a common social network serves as a trust-building mechanism in cross-border trade, enabling enterprises to share transaction risks and decrease the unpredictability of transactions. The study integrates the latest research on the pivotal role of social networks in global business. The findings demonstrate that ethnic networks, such as those formed by Chinese immigrants, significantly enhance trade volumes, particularly in product categories with high information asymmetry. Greater levels of social connectivity within these networks are associated with substantially higher bilateral trade volumes, especially for goods facing significant information friction. Immigrant networks serve not only as economic connections but also as cultural and social conduits crucial for promoting international trade. In conclusion, social networks mitigate information asymmetry and facilitate rapid expansion into overseas markets for businesses. They also optimize supply chain management by monitoring market dynamics and consumer feedback in real time, while clearly identifying market opportunities.

Digital Marketing Strategy for MSMEs to Increase Competitiveness of Local Products

General background in the current digital era, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) are a vital component of local economic development, particularly in rural areas. Specific background MSMEs producing local products such as bags and suitcases are prominent in certain regions, but face significant marketing challenges. Knowledge gap: However, few studies have explored the application of digital marketing strategies to improve the competitiveness of local MSME products.This study aims to analyze the application of digital marketing as a marketing strategy for local village products to increase the competitiveness of MSMEs using a SWOT analysis approach. The results show that MSMEs need strong government and institutional support to overcome market barriers and adopt advanced marketing techniques. The findings emphasize the importance of training and mentoring programs to enhance technical and managerial skills, as well as the introduction of new technology. Additionally, creating a community of craftsmen and entrepreneurs can foster knowledge-sharing and expand business networks, contributing positively to the competitiveness of local products. Novelty the study introduces a comprehensive approach that combines digital marketing and community building, which has not been extensively studied in the context of rural MSMEs. The implications of this research suggest that by leveraging digital platforms and forming supportive networks, MSMEs can increase their market reach and competitiveness, contributing significantly to local economic growth. Highlights: MSMEs require digital marketing strategies to boost product competitiveness. Government support and training are crucial for overcoming market challenges. Community-building among craftsmen enhances business networks and knowledge-sharing. Keywords: MSMEs, Digital Marketing, Competitiveness, Local Products, SWOT

Ethnoeconomy of Europe: Turkish Segment

The article examines the ethnic factor of the European economy. The migration of the Turks to Europe in the 1960s, formed a special segment of entrepreneurship in the region. A significant part of it was occupied by the representatives of the Turkish diaspora. Several factors including the social one contribute to the active development of the Turkish ethno-business in the European space. In addition, the formation and prosperity of the Turkish ethnic entrepreneurship in Europe is influenced by the high development of family and clan relations as well as the presence of various kinds of auxiliary mechanisms in the form of trade unions and business associations. In the context of small and medium-sized businesses, the key attention is paid to the development of the Turkish fast food industry related to the organization of food outlets, the hotel business, the provision of general services as well as tourism and logistics services. Large network business and transnational corporations of Turkey in most cases are engaged in such areas as: restaurant business; hotel business, including the construction of hotels; distribution of retail chains and Turkish brands. Islamic banking has also become a relatively new rapidly developing area of the Turkish ethnobusiness. The author concludes that the Turkish migration has significantly changed the nature of the European business. However, despite the wide representation of Turkish entrepreneurs in Europe, not all of them achieve the desired success and often face various kinds of discriminatory policies of the European authorities that restrict their activities.

Modeling inter-organizational business process governance in the age of collaborative networks

Collaborative networks require inter-organizational business process governance (IO-BPG) mechanisms to define ownership over shared resources and activities, accountability over operations, inter-organizational roles and responsibilities, and strategic partner alignment. We developed an IO-BPG modeling approach aiming to incorporate (1) IT governance activities (e.g., IT performance measurement), (2) data governance activities (e.g., data strategy management), and (3) “shadow” parallel governance-related operations. Resulting from a design science research project, our contributions include the building blocks (domain attributes, ontology, and requirements) of a novel BPMN extension, its demonstration in logistics operations, its evaluation, and design principles to guide IO-BPG modeling. Suggestions for the development and evaluation of future BPMN extensions are also highlighted based on the lessons learned in this project. For practitioners, our contribution can improve accountability reports over data assets and operations, identify dataset ownership, assist in the coordination of governance activities in networked businesses, and comply with regulations and strategic partnership agreements.

Agents, brokerage and Argentinian railways 1880–1905

This article examines the role of agents and how their brokerage activities influenced the composition, shape and size of Baring’s business networks in Argentinian railways during 1880–1905. Baring was heavily involved in Argentine sovereign and railway financing and relied on trusted agents, who acted as important conduits of information, to manage their business empire. We explore 2700 pieces of correspondence in the form of letters and telegrams to illustrate Baring’s network over time. Studying the case of Argentinian railways, the correspondences reveal the longevity of Baring’s network and agents’ brokerage roles over time in response to changing local and global economic currents. Through this rich qualitative data and network analysis, we contribute to understanding agent’s brokerage and network change over time. By highlighting the role of invisible actors in the form of agents, the article contributes to understanding infrastructure finance, financial globalisation and more generally, the global history of capitalism.

Strengthening Business Collaborations in the Sidoarjo District MSME Community

Background: Effective communication is vital for group dynamics within communities, particularly in business networks. Specific Background: This study focuses on the communication practices of the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) community. Knowledge Gap: While prior research exists, the dynamics of information sharing in such informal settings have not been thoroughly examined. Aims: The research aimed to analyze communication dynamics within an MSME community and identify factors affecting interaction. Results: Findings indicate that informal interactions strengthen relationships and enhance partnership potential, yet information sharing remains limited, with only a few members actively disseminating business-related news. Novelty: This study emphasizes the significance of informal communication in building relationships while highlighting the need for improved information dissemination. Implications: Recommendations include fostering a more flexible communication environment to enhance collaboration and information exchange within MSME communities. Highlights : Informal Interactions: Foster strong relationships among community members. Limited Information Sharing: Only a few members actively disseminate relevant business news. Need for Flexibility: A more inclusive communication environment is essential for collaboration. Keywords: communication, MSMEs, information sharing, community dynamics, partnerships

Alternative finance in the international business context: a review and future research

AbstractFirms increasingly rely on alternative finance (AF) in addition to banks and equity markets, and its usage across countries differs significantly. We conceptualize AF as financing that operates within social, business, and virtual networks that generate informational, collateral, and incentive advantages compared to finance relying on traditional financial intermediaries. Examples of AF include family loans, microfinance, trade credit, community credit cooperatives, person-to-person (P2P), and crowdfunding. While AF is not a new phenomenon, technological development continues to facilitate its increasing prominence. We review the evolution of AF theories, summarize key empirical findings, and describe how AF intersects with international business (IB) research. Specifically, we review how AF feeds into the analysis of comparative financial systems, financial development, comparative corporate governance, and national culture. We conclude that AF has shaped comparative research in IB in important ways, but cross-border research in IB has hardly considered the role of AF. Globalization and technological development and adoption in the financial industry generate rich fields where AF and IB intersect; these have yet to be understood. We describe how IB research, specifically addressing the cross-border dimension, could benefit from integrating insights from AF research, and propose approaches to integrate theories on AF, IB, and internationalization.

A New Technology-Based Tool for Building Profitable Biodiversity-Conserving Offerings

Biodiversity conservation is an essential but too-frequently overlooked dimension of environmental sustainability. Most endangered species live in developing countries. In these countries, sustainable development projects need to leverage efforts to protect biodiversity rather than being at cross-purposes with them. To these ends, this article describes a business plan that has a firm market a biodiversity offering that is profitable and supports a biodiversity project. This project, in-turn, enhances biodiversity. Customers are kept abreast of the project’s biodiversity impacts by viewing an online biodiversity dashboard. This dashboard graphically portrays data on the project and the abundance of the targeted species. Remote sensing and other Internet of Things (IoT) technologies are used to pipe this data to the dashboard. For purposes of illustration, this plan is hypothetically applied to preserving the South African rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum). A set of agent submodels dynamically portrays firms in a business network that employs would-be rhino poachers. A general purpose tool for constructing these interacting submodels is detailed. Keywords: biodiversity, sustainable business ventures, political-ecological systems, agent models, rhinoceros poaching, dashboards

ОПТИМІЗАЦІЯ ІННОВАЦІЙНИХ БІЗНЕС-ПРОЦЕСІВ В СИСТЕМІ УПРАВЛІННЯ ЛАНЦЮГАМИ ВАРТОСТІ

The article examines applied aspects of implementing the strategy of clustering the national economy based on the optimization of integrated value chains in the context of globalization challenges. The peculiarities of organizational-procedural and communicative-network support of business processes under the conditions of clustering of socio-economic systems are determined. The components of managing the processes of administration and implementation of the innovative potential of integrated production chains in the context of digital development and the format of optimization parameters were formed: intellectual capital; entrepreneurial potential; dominant technologies (level and possibilities of technology development in this area); industry localization (industry environment, market segments); information innovation infrastructure (environment of targeted integrated interaction). The evolution of the concept of integrated value chains in the context of their application in partnership activities of enterprises was considered, their mutual influence and combination, features and advantages were studied. The expediency of using the theory of digital business process management systems in business network structures and value chains is substantiated. The prospects for the use of integrated solutions are outlined, which allow creating a significant synergy of innovative network concepts, ensuring the overcoming of information asymmetry, and moving to an emergent level of business process management. Thus, the integrated value chain gradually expands from the production area to system processes in marketing, scientific and technical activities, financial support, sales process and service activities. A positive characteristic of this is the acquisition of invaluable experience in the systematic management of business processes and the implementation of innovative solutions to optimize the processes of increasing the value of enterprises in the strategic sector of the economy. Therefore, taking into account the current trends in the manifestation of innovative business processes in the digital administration system, one should possess the tools of the analog and digital management model when determining the profile of the business processes of filling the integrated value chain.

Investigating the Mediation of Powerful Entrepreneurial Networking in the Marketing Performance of Halal Smes in Indonesia Towards Achieving Sustainable Development Goals

Objective: This study introduces and analyzes a framework for Powerful Entrepreneurial Networking (PEN) to connect Entrepreneurial Orientation (EO) and Marketing Performance (MP) of halal Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Indonesia. It explores the direct impact of EO and Resource Availability (RA) on marketing performance and examines the mediating role of PEN in these relationships. The study aligns these factors with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), aiming to enhance the economic and social performance of halal SMEs. Theoretical Framework: The research integrates concepts of entrepreneurial orientation, resource availability, and business networks, positing that PEN acts as a mediator, enhancing the influence of EO and RA on marketing performance. This holistic approach underscores the role of both internal capabilities and external networks in achieving business success, particularly within the halal sector. Method: A quantitative research approach was used, applying Structural Equation Modeling with Partial Least Squares (SEM-PLS). Data were collected from 354 halal-certified SMEs in North Sumatra, Indonesia, through structured questionnaires, and SEM-PLS was used to validate the research model. Results and Discussion: The findings reveal that entrepreneurial orientation and resource availability significantly improve the marketing performance of halal SMEs. Furthermore, PEN mediates these effects, enabling SMEs to leverage their entrepreneurial orientation and resources effectively, which is crucial for achieving superior marketing outcomes and contributing to the SDGs. Research Implications: The study offers practical implications for halal SMEs, suggesting the need to focus on entrepreneurial orientation, resource management, and networking to drive sustainable growth and align with SDGs. Originality/Value: This research contributes to the understanding of how PEN mediates the relationship between EO and marketing performance, providing insights into enhancing the capabilities of halal SMEs in line with SDGs.

Weaving the Web to achieve the SDGs: the presence of women in the boardrooms as a key driver

Purpose Due to the importance of mitigating the issues that afflict society and natural habitats on a global scale, the United Nations has established 17 key goals to directly and effectively mitigate problems such as extreme poverty, lack of access to quality educational environments or the loss of life in underwater and terrestrial ecosystems, which need to be addressed from multiple parties, particularly from the business network. In this context, the purpose of this paper is to analyse the potential impact of female participation in boardrooms on the disclosure of corporate information regarding the integration of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into business strategy. Design/methodology/approach The research hypotheses were developed on the basis of a multi-theoretical perspective, which included agency theory, upper echelon theory, resources dependency theory and critical mass theory. The hypotheses were tested using a regression model for a sample of 8,903 companies for the period 2019–2022. Findings The results highlight the importance of an increase in female boardroom representation as a key driver in the achieving of the SDGs with favourable effects on environmental and social issues, being robust to changes in methodological specifications. Research limitations/implications This research provides valuable evidence for the analysis of gender issues in the business field; however, it has some limitations that can be addressed by academics. In this sense, this research solely examined the impact of chief executive officer (CEO) duality while overlooking the potential for its influence to be amplified by a distinctive configuration of the board, such as the involvement of a former CEO, a greater or lesser degree of participation of executive directors in the boardroom or the fact that the CEO is a woman. These factors could either reinforce or obstruct the benefits of female directors in the accomplishment of the SDGs. Practical implications From a practical standpoint, this research illustrates the advantages of the active involvement of women in the boardroom. Their participation has resulted in notable modifications to corporate strategies, with a focus on aligning business actions with the attainment of the SDGs and related transparency. This facilitates a more comprehensive understanding of the business interest in conserving natural habitats and eradicating social inequalities. Social implications From a societal perspective, the findings illustrate the significance of actively promoting the involvement of women in organisational leadership roles. The inclusion of women's perspectives can enhance the planning of business processes, with far-reaching implications for stakeholders. Therefore, it is vital to guarantee opportunities for women, such as access to higher education and gainful employment, particularly in nations where there are considerable constraints to the intellectual and economic advancement of girls and women. Originality/value The findings contribute to the growing body of knowledge on the optimal configuration of the boardroom, especially the gendered boardroom (i.e. García-Sánchez et al., 2023b; Liao et al., 2015), and its ability to address today's global challenges. Furthermore, the findings indicate the necessity of establishing pathways for women to reach positions of influence within the organisational hierarchy, thereby facilitating beneficial societal changes. These changes can include the mitigation of environmental damage and the rectification of historical social inequalities.

The Moderating Effect of Business Networking Skills on Relationship between Entrepreneurial Orientation and the Growth of Youth Owned Enterprises in Kenya

Purpose: Youth businesses play a key role in poverty alleviation when run based on entrepreneurial orientation. However, these micro and small enterprises face a mix of achievement and frustration, with previous findings showing that three out of five companies fail within the first few long periods of activity, despite government efforts to improve the sector. This study aims to assess the moderating effect of business networking skills of communication, coordination, and relationship skills between entrepreneurial orientation and the growth of youth-owned enterprises in Kenya. Methodology: The study is supported by networking theory-Resource Based View. A stratified sampling technique was employed to obtain 397 SMEs from 55,300 SMEs registered by the seven selected counties in Kenya namely; Nairobi, Murang’a, Nakuru, Machakos, Mombasa, Kisii, and Isiolo counties. A cross-sectional survey methodology was utilized. Data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: The findings indicated that the association between entrepreneurial orientation and expansion of youth-owned businesses in Kenya was positively moderated by networking skills. Conclusion: The study concludes that networking skills, as measured by communication, coordination, and relationship skills lessen the overall influence of entrepreneurial orientation on the expansion of youth-owned businesses. The study suggests that founders of youth businesses should continue to hone their networking skills. In particular, they should be clear in communication just like other players in the market to effectively convey the right message, and apply relationship skills respectively.