Regional strategic networks in southern Brazil

Regional strategic networks (RSNs) are long-term purposeful arrangements among firms that cooperate and compete in a regional context allowing them to win or sustain a competitive advantage. RSN coopetitive strategy requires an open approach with inclusiveness of members and internal transparency of the formulation and implementation processes. This open approach of a coopetitive strategy raises questions concerning the outcomes of RSNs. How does strategic openness affect the outcome of RSNs? What are the outcomes of an open strategy formulation and open strategy implementation? This paper focuses on the effects of greater strategy openness on the outcomes of RSNs. To achieve this goal, the study follows a quantitative exploratory survey based on 150 firms associated to 50 RSNs established by a regional public policy in southern Brazil. The unit of analysis of this study are the RSN. Results indicate that an open approach supports the RSNs' coopetitive strategy and ultimately affects their collective outcomes. Results also show a significant relationship between the member inclusion and internal transparency of the strategy process and the networks' outcomes.