even though inter-firm networking is often argued to be among the factors enhancing business performance, empirical research on the topic is scarce. We exploit Eurostats and Statistic Finlands pilot survey on inter-enterprise relations to study the issue. Our uni- and multivariate analysis does not suggest that there is a statistically significant positive or negative relationship between a firms networking activities and its profitability or growth. We conclude that networking is not a panacea; it does not boost performance automatically or independently. Its possible benefits depend on how it is organized and conducted.
Keywords : Inter-firm networking, business collaboration, outsourcing, profitability, growth.
