COOPERATION NETWORKS AS A STRATEGY TO PROMOTE INNOVATION AND BUSINESS COMPETITIVENESS- THE CASTELO BRANCO CASE

Abstract

Cooperation has been a constant presence in discussions of alternatives to accelerate the economic and social development of nations, as part of solving problems in a more complex society. Cooperation between companies can be essential as a strategic tool to make them more competitive.
The objective of the present study is to demonstrate the importance of cooperation networks in the growth and survival of companies, in the case of the municipality of Castelo Branco.
In this work, a review will be made of the different perspectives of different authors on cooperation networks, competition, and cooperation, in order to reflect on the concepts, and how they are related in the business area.
Since Portugal is a country mainly made up of micro, small and medium-sized companies (99.9%) (PORDATA, 2021), cooperation, and competitiveness between them is essential for their growth, development, and survival in a globalized world.