Creating a business network means entering into a collaboration agreement between enterprises through a network contract. It is an alternative business model which also leaves each enterprise in the network its own individual autonomy.
The enterprises that join together in a network set common objectives, such as:
- exchanging know-how or industrial, commercial or technological services;
- co-operating within the scope of their respective businesses;
- jointly carrying out business activities.
In defining these objectives, the law provides wide contractual autonomy in tailoring the legal obligations. Business networks may:
- have a common fund and a common body and, in that case, obtain recognition of legal personality by registering in the Business Register;
- take part in public tenders, in accordance with the rules laid down by Determination No. 3 of 23 April 2013.
Why create a business network?
A business network can enable micro and small/medium-sized enterprises to overcome the limits arising from their size and to reach a critical mass in order to compete on a global level, while at the same time safeguarding their own individual identity. In particular, it allows them to:
- increase productivity and competitiveness;
- share knowledge and expertise;
- develop greater innovative capacity, creativity and dynamism;
- facilitate internationalisation and enter new markets;
- certify the quality of their production process;
- rationalise management costs.
It is therefore an instrument that creates value for each company that takes part in it and generates development for the local area in which it operates.
How is a business network created?
To form a business network it is necessary to:
- find other companies with which to share common objectives;
- draw up a programme defining the scope, expected results, tools, organisation and any fund: it is essential to clearly set out expectations regarding the economic return and how it is to be shared among the various partners;
- identify the most suitable legal form (network-contract or network-entity) and enter into a network contract between the parties in the form of a notarial deed or a privately signed document with notarised signatures, to be filed with the competent Chamber of Commerce.