Transnational ties in technology-based sectors: thecase of Indian software entrepreneurial firms in Italy

The paper aims to empirically analyse the presence of differences in transnational networking within the same ethnic group. We focus on an setting i.e. Indian software firms in Italy, where the standard variables defining the structural and agency conditions are weak; it permits to better appreciate the role and impact of ties. Using a unique purposely built dataset we show that, even within the same community, firms both rely on heterogeneous networks and are involved in different networking activities. This heterogeneity largely influences the role of cross border ties. Transnational networking can play a very different role in the competitive strategy of the firms, as they can represent the main asset, or a complementary factor or even an accessory element of the business.