Inter-organizational networks: Essence and place in integration processes in industry

Subject. The article discusses inter-organizational networks being a modern form of integration and occupying a certain place in integration processes of business entities. Objectives. The study aims to identify the essence of inter-organizational network and determine its place in the integration processes in industry. Methods. The study employs such methods as reflection of the general in the special, formal logic, in particular, the rules for defining a concept, rules for dividing the scope of a concept, and the BCG matrix methodology. Results. We revealed prerequisites for development and characteristic features of inter-organizational networking, gave a definition of the inter-organizational network concept. Based on the developed typology of forms of integration associations of enterprises in industry, the place of network forms of integration in integration processes in industry is determined. Conclusions. Interorganizational networks are a modern form of integration. They occupy a certain place in the integration processes of business entities. Depending on the methods of business entities integration, there are natural, classical, and incomplete or partial integration, quasi-integration. Quasi-integration provides control over the management of a legally independent company though without control over ownership.