The Moderating Role of Network Management and Environment in Business Networks for Entrepreneurship: A Systematic Narrative Review (1995-2020)

This research presents a systematic narrative review of research on how business networks contribute to entrepreneurship. Analysing 35 relevant articles published between 1995 and 2020, the review identifies two critical moderating factors that determine the effectiveness of business networks for entrepreneurial development: network management and the network environment. Furthermore, the analysis reveals that these moderating factors are themselves influenced by the demographic characteristics of entrepreneurs and the specific attributes of their firms. The findings offer practical guidance for entrepreneurs, suggesting that strategic attention to network governance and environmental context tailored to their specific profile is key to enhancing firm performance and ensuring survival.