Comment on Cooperation among competitors: its social mechanisms through network analysis

Abstract: This paper argues that cooperation among competitors is facilitated by social processes(among others: learning, bounded solidarity, social control, regulation) that can be modelledusing network analyses. Entrepreneurs get involved in social exchanges and these exchangesrequire relational investments, protection of these investments, social niche seeking and statuscompetition – which trigger and drive these social processes. To illustrate this theory, I draw onsociological research using the analysis of social and organizational networks in business. Theseanalyses model and substantiate the complex social discipline that helps interdependent, butcompeting entrepreneurs cooperate. Finally, I speculate about the implications of this knowledgeof complex interdependencies and coordination, social discipline and social processes amongentrepreneurs for public authorities involved in social control of markets.[...]