Emiko Tsuyuki

(Chuo University, Japan)

 

 

Abstract: This paper presents some cases of new business creation in fishermen communities, and examines the networking process and the structure of networks both inside and outside of the communities by using the theoretical framework of social capital. The research method is qualitative research through case studies. The object of the case studies is new business creation in three fishermen communities: Sanriku fishery production union in Okirai, a youth group of the fishermen’s cooperative association in Yui, and a public sector cooperation “Furusato Ama”. Several findings were made by those three case studies. Firstly, a new network has been built both inside and outside of the community though new business creation. Secondly, the new network has been constructed among people and organizations that had never come across each other before. Thirdly, the outer network of the community is not derived from the internal network. Finally, instead of a strong inner network, the new network is not closed off. The structural holes are bridged by a person such as a broker (the external human resources led type), the leader of the young fishermen group (the internal human resources led type) and a staff of the administrative organization (the government led type). They acquire resources such as information or tips for new product development, sales channels, customers, and funding through the network.

 

 

Key words: fishermen’s communities; networking; social capital; weak tie; structural holes; hub; bridge

 

JEL code: Z130