Globalization and modern technologies are new challenges to firms, to which they react by forming networks. These networks are only successful, if the firms are able to agree upon transparent and credible rules for their cooperation as well as on an effective network management.

The foundations of competitive advantage and the organization of firms are undergoing a significant change. The traditional model of the firm is changing in favor of interfirm cooperation such as networks, alliances and modern cooperatives, resulting in a new cooperative economy. In this book,...