Although northern small and medium entrepreneurs acknowledge the importance of establishing collaborative networks with companies working in similar sectors, they do not see them as a priority.

However, the same study reveals that networking is crucial for competitiveness in micro, small and medium enterprises in the northern region because it enables companies to share resources, skills and information systems. Throughout this study, it was possible to identify a small number of successful cases, such as the Mota-Engil Group, Lavradores da Feitoria and Rede de Agências de Viagens e Turismo - RAVT (Travel Agencies and Tourism Network).

This study culminated in the creation of a collaborative portal, a useful tool to identify the most common difficulties and the kind of network that is suitable for each company. Another result of the study is the Kit to Start Collaborative Networks. This kit is a simple CD-ROM that is used to support SME throughout the processes of establishing and managing collaborative networks.

Marketeer, 5 January 2008