Describing network dynamics in three different business nets

• The study deepens our understanding of network dynamics in business nets in the context of the manufacturing industry.
• Strategic intent and shared identity are suggested to represent the two dimensions of the network dynamics in business nets.
• Network dynamics and focus of development work differ in different business nets.

SummaryThe purpose of this paper is to deepen our understanding of network dynamics in business nets in the context of the manufacturing industry. Using the abductive approach, the network dynamics are described and defined through an intertwined process of case research and theory building in three case nets. The paper suggests the concepts of strategic intent and shared identity to represent the two dimensions of the network dynamics. The study creates both theoretical and practical knowledge of the way the network dynamics diverge as a function of different business net types. Furthermore, the paper provides deeper understanding of the co-existence of different business net types within the manufacturing industry, where the focus has been on supplier networks and customer-supplier relationships.