Orchestrating Networks : three studies in different contexts and development stages

Abstract

This thesis aims to analyze the orchestration of networks in different contexts and stages of development. The networks constitute an attractive environment in which different actors are connected to create and generate value. Regardless the type of network, their management is a challenge as a result of the complexity and dynamism of those structures. In this line, the orchestration approach is attracting academic and managerial attention because it is a management that seeks the capture and value generation without hierarchical character. However, there are still many gaps in the literature for the orchestration of networks to be better understood and applied. Three main gaps were identified: process of orchestration in the emergence of a network, influence of the orchestration activities over the lifecycle of the network and the role and the activities of the orchestrator. Three studies were developed to fill such gaps. The first paper “The orchestration process for emergence of innovation clusters” aims to analyze the orchestration process in the emergence of a Cluster of Innovation (CoI). This study is a qualitative exploratory research in Porto Alegre, in Southern Brazil, in the region known as 4th District. The results indicate the importance of alignment among network members, of coordination of actions and of joint agenda as facilitators for the emergence of a cluster. This study presents a framework to link orchestration process and the emergence of a CoI. The second paper “Multilevel orchestration: the unlock for innovation in clusters lifecycle?” seeks to analyze how does the orchestration influence on the clusters lifecycle. For that, an exploratory study was performed with longitudinal perspective in the wine cluster of Serra Gaúcha, Brazil. The study identified the key elements throughout the life cycle of the Serra Gaúcha cluster. From that, the study also identified the orchestrators, their key activities and their level of impact on the cluster. Then, the multilevel orchestration model with the key actions by level and stage of the life cycle was proposed. The results highlight the need of more than one orchestrator to articulate the innovation in the cluster and minimize the negative lock-in effect and the possible decline of the cluster. Besides that, the study presents the importance of the orchestration in the micro level (individuals), the meso level (organizations) and macro level (cluster). The third paper “Orchestrating an innovation ecosystem in the University: The case of a Brazilian University” aims to understand what the roles and activities of the orchestrator of the university innovation ecosystem are. For that, we conducted an action research in the innovation ecosystem of UFRGS, orchestrated by its Science and Technological Park, Zenit. The study identified critical factors for that process and we understood that the orchestrator of the university has as roles and activities: architect (map and compose the network, link complementary actors, construct a collective identity), knowledge broker (managing knowledge mobility, knowledge activation, facilitating transactions) and market translator (articulate demands, recognize and commercialize innovation, manage innovation appropriability). From that, toolbox with key actions to facilitate the orchestration of the University innovation ecosystem was proposed.