The SME Co-operation Framework: a Multi-method Secondary Research Approach to SME Collaboration

This work presents the SME co-operation framework, a model created to analyse the field of SME collaboration and to understand how small businesses co- operate. The constructs of this study are based on previous research on interfirm co-operation, which permits to cross- validate results from different studies, combine their findings and to create the framework to obtain a global idea of SME co- operation. The SME cooperation framework combines in a unique model the three main dimensions involved in SME cooperation (strategic, management and social) with the internal and external factors influencing business collaboration. Using the developed framework, the author summarizes why SMEs should co-operate, the problems SMEs face adopting collaborative approaches and the factors influencing interfirm collaboration effectiveness. The findings of this work provide some important implications for managers concerned with adopting collaborative approaches. From a managerial perspective, it shows that co-operation between SMEs is a valid approach for improving their performance as long as the success factors are considered, which in turn, reduces the risk of alliance failure.