Although the field of networks has been the subject of extensive
investigation, there has been little application to policy issues connected
with the internationalization of companies. This is despite the emergence of
so-called network schemes in many countries, which aim at building
cooperative links between small companies to exploit wider market
possibilities, including those in the global arena. This article, through
the evaluation of a new export promotion scheme, specifically addresses the
policy issues arising when networks are both the means to achieve
international market outcomes and the outcomes themselves, that is, part of
the foundation for ongoing international market penetration. Furthermore, it
is argued that network outcomes should be included as part of the criteria
for evaluating the success of export promotion schemes.
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