Multiscale analysis of interfirm networks in regional clusters

Networks within an organization and also among organizations are expected to work as a conduit of resources and knowledge. In this paper, we construct a large database of interfirm networks in eight regional clusters in Japan, and investigate their multiscale structures combining existing organizational and network theories. We found that the small world properties among regional clusters show marked differences, which intensify as the network size evolves. We also found that connector firms bridging different modules are scarce and therefore we should focus on networking activity among different modules to support the development of well-connected networks.