Architectures of participation and emergent forms of inter-organisational activity: A preliminary analysis

This research-in-progress paper explores ways in which inter-organisational networks can fulfil both collective (network) and self-interest (member) goals by implementing architectures of participation that govern and support participant interaction. We draw on recent studies to derive a conceptual framework consisting of technological, legal, economic and social mechanisms in inter-organisational networks, and using initial findings from three case studies of networks in Sweden and Denmark, we illustrate how these architectures operate. Our analysis shows the relative importance of these mechanisms in facilitating individual and collective value creation and we conclude by presenting our ongoing research plans.