How to choose its partners? How to balance its network so as to make the most? Business success today is more and more by alliance strategies. But it is not always easy to identify from whom to approach. Especially as the value provided by a network goes well beyond the contribution of each partner. It also lies in the relationship that the partners have with each other or with their own partners. The authors of Network Advantage and invite the leaders to consider three levels in the construction of their network. Level 1: direct relations with each partner individually. Level 2: the relationships between them by the partners; this level allows to see if the company is closer to the center of an integrated network or a star network, with important implications for the type of contributions to the innovation capacity of the particular company. Level 3 assesses how the company can rely on the status of its various partners to enhance his own reputation. The chapters describe the theory but also the visualization methods of network and the type of analysis that can lead to better assess its network. A very practical book, sometimes quite technical but still accessible.
