INTER-FIRM COOPERATION AS A FACTOR OF INNOVATION DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

The article discusses theoretical basis and pre-conditions of developing inter-firm cooperation; various approaches and theories fostering research in this field. Special attention is paid to companies' cooperation in innovation work. The author describes factors affecting the possibility of cooperation in the field and its decline. She also analyzes innovation clusters as an advanced form of structural economic entities, which is based on inter-firm cooperation and aimed at raising competitive advantages of countries. The article shows the difference between traditional industrial clusters and innovation ones, studies their features and specific functioning, whose target is strengthening innovation component.

Keywords

• inter-firm cooperation
• network
• innovation
• innovation work
• innovation clusters
• competitive advantages