Businesses move away from Supply Chains to Virtual Networks

Small businesses from many different industries, both traditional and hi-tech, have discovered a new way to succeed in the "global economy".

Traditionally many businesses join supply chains centred on larger companies. Unfortunately the companies at the bottom of such supply chains are often treated as commodity players and replaced with cheaper alternatives when the opportunity arises.

"it is in learning to collaborate better your real competive advantage lies"

Some brave companies have attempted to "go it alone" by creating sophisticated e-business architectures which directly link them to their major customers and partners. However the expense, risk and sheer management effort involved in this approach puts it beyond the reach of many.

The "third way" which companies are discovering is to join "Virtual Networks" with other like-minded but complimentary businesses to sell and deliver collective offers to the market beyond what the individual companies could offer by themselves.

It used to be said that ability to learn quicker than your competitor was the only skill that would guarantee your survival. The businesses who are operating Virtual Networks are demonstrating that it is in learning to collaborate better where your real competive advantage lies.

This presentation is a short introduction showing how regional businesses and economic development agencies can exploit VISION's unique approach to "Virtual Networks" for competitive advantage.