Governance framework for the operation of focal-organized, self-financed research networks

Companies face increasing challenges in research due to a constant changing international competitive environment as well as a high innovation pressure. To be competitive companies need to cooperate and innovate together in research networks. However, these networks can fail. This observation can be reduced on insecurities concerning management tasks, missing competence management, increasing number of members and thereby increasing organizational complexity. Consequentially, an organizational framework is needed as a guideline addressing processes, roles, tools and rules within research networks. Goal of this paper is therefore to describe and structure the elements of a governance framework for research networks.