The central question is how trans-national personal and business networks can be protected from the risks of internationalization of SME. The networks fortrans analyses connect people, interest groups, local authorities and businesses with each other. The relationships between the network partners are partially founded on formal regulations, but can also be based on acquaintances and employee loyalty.

If and how networks can minimise such risks is as much of interest as the creation of new risks in relation to the integration into networks (keyword: opportunism).

Research is being carried out on networks of German businesses in India, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Japan, Latin-America, Russia and the USA. The businesses there encounter many different kinds of risks which influence the realization of their economic goals. A few examples of these risks are economical turbulences, corruption, crime, value conflicts and problems with loyalty.

Economic, Political and Societal Applications:

Compiling of possibilities and limits of trans-national networks in relation to the limitation of risks caused by internationalization.

Analysing and describing the reciprocal effect of inter-personal and inter-organizational networks

Finding the connection between risk limitation and the creation of new risks within the network

Formulating suggestions for network management within the region being researched