Theoretical Approaches to the Definition of the Concept of «Network Structure»

Abstract

At the present stage of transformational change, the problems of activating the economic partnership and cooperation based on the creation of network structures are extremely important. These issues are actualized especially in the context of the rapid development of the digital economy and smart specialization. Given this, the purpose of this study is the theoretical generalization and systematization of existing scientific approaches to the interpretation of the concept of «network structure»; substantiation of the authors’ own approach to defining the content of this economic category. As a result of the carried out study, it is determined that the concept of «network structure» be identified with such definitions as: organization, interaction, association, management structure, form of management, coordination, cooperation, alliance, structured set, integration, corporate structure, relations, coalition. Using a systematic approach and the classification method, the interpretation of the term of «network structure», proposed by various scientific schools, is conventionally systematized as to the following groups: entrepreneurial network; business structure; open structures; new organizational form of joint activity; collective interaction; organizational type; model of economic relations; complex of business units (network partners); element of the network economy, et cetera. The article provides the authors’ own approach to defining the category of «network structure» as a specific form of organization of collective efforts, which is based on the voluntary interaction of its participants on the basis of combining their interests, resources, competencies, and capabilities. It is proposed to consider the network structure as an economic category from three positions, such as: a network form of partnership; an effective model of stakeholder interaction in the context of global transformations; a model of partnerships between market participants in the organization of logistics processes

Keywords

• national economy
• network economy
• cluster approach
• clustering of the economy
• cluster policy
• cluster structure
• cluster infrastructure
• network structure
• form of network interaction
• globalization
• transformation
• institutional environment
• information space
• competitive advantages
• competitiveness