A typology of inter-firm project networks

While existing literature has provided rich insights into the nature and functioning of inter-firm project networks, relatively little is still known about how these temporary organizational networks differ from each other. Drawing from transaction cost economics and social embeddedness literatures, this paper provides an attempt to elaborate how two antecedent factors, namely structural embeddedness and goal ambiguity may relate to the governance structures set up to ensure that projects will be carried out efficiently and effectively by inter-organizational networks of heterogeneous participating firms. A typology of project networks derived from earlier literature is presented and discussed in light of earlier research. This typology provides an initial attempt at highlighting how the mechanisms used to safeguard, coordinate and adapt interdependent economic transactions may differ between inter-firm project networks.