Mette Mønsted

Processes and structures of networks: reflections on methodology

The paper discusses the ambiguity of the network concept. The ambiguity may be explained partly by the interface between an economic competitive perspective and a social trust perspective, with the paradoxes this implies. The ambiguity will also partly be linked to the choice of methodology and variables for measurement, determining the perspective of the network. The development and choice of methodology within the analysis of networks have tended to stress the identification of structures and stable conditions, rather than dynamic perspectives. The effort of making a statistical analysis of quantitative information leads to more standardization and attempts to register quantifiable information. Some perspectives and uses of networks are, however, difficult to measure quantitatively. Applying metaphors, cases and models would more adequately capture the dynamics and the fluid processes of networks. The purpose of this methodological discussion is to capture some of the more substantial traits of certain ...

Flexbility and skills in small enterprises

On the basis of empirical qualitative studies, the question of skills and demanded skills and qualifications of technical SMEs are discussed. The differences in the specific technical skills demanded for handling the flexibility to new products and new technology in the workshop are very different from the definition of skills outside what is considered the core skills of the firm, e.g. skills to deal with managing growth of the firm or administrative information technology. In these latter issues, the professional evaluation of skills is replaced by personal trust. In technical SMEs in Denmark the owners demand a high level of skills of skilled labourers, not only in specific technical terms but also in terms of independence, responsibility and adjustment to new tasks and technology. These are aspects not focused upon in the educations and competences and more often associated to management skills than to ‘standard skills’ of the skilled labour.

Creating Space for Research: The Charismatic Entrepreneur as Research Director

The paper discusses research leadership in public universities in a time of transformation. It focuses on the role of entrepreneurial strategies in creating space for research under conditions that increasingly depend on balancing managerial control in the university against openness to other knowledge organizations, arenas and networks. Here the generation of resources is becoming more important than ever, and a creative entrepreneurial strategy is a way to produce new knowledge centres. By analysing two new research groups in social science institutions in Denmark, we show how dilemmas, uncertainty and complex relations to other managerial systems in the universities can be decisive. Entrepreneurial network organizing offers a new platform for innovation in the university. We find that the charismatic traits of the research director have an important impact on the strength of this platform.