Performance/Benchmarking Chains and Net-Works

In this paper a study is presented that had as goal to develop a management instrument (benchmarking)for co-innovation projects on basis of a set of performance indicators for chains and net-works of firms. To base the indicators on a sound basis relevant theories were studied, like industrial economics, resource-based theory, marketing theory, net-work theory and also specialised theories related to flexibility, innovation and quality care. Thereafter a framework was developed. The framework consist of a quick scan of performance measurement and comparative benchmarking to get a global idea of the possible improvements. For the aspects that need to be improved a more fine tuned approach is the measurement of performance related tot the different processes and a benchmark thereof. In the fine tuned part of the framework we distinguish capacities, realisation and perspectives. The quick scan part is used to get a global idea of the performance of different apple chains in The Netherlands, France and New-Zealand. It appeared to be a useful approach to get an idea about the performance of different chains with help of desk research and published information. Finally, some conclusions are drawn.