Abstract

This study investigates cognitive proximity from an actor level and examines the impact social support has on innovation. The significance of this research is twofold. The first answers the call of Hautala (2011) to develop the literature base on cognitive proximity at an actor level. Secondly it gives an in-depth insight into the characteristics and behaviour of female-only networks, a perspective which is often marginalised in academia. Using the Project Venus network – an exclusively female brewing network – the data gathered comprises of 16 in-depth interviews and 5 days of participant observation. Preliminary findings suggests that the social supportive role of the network increases cognitive proximity while supporting innovation that otherwise might have been inhibited through perceived gendered prejudice. Tacit knowledge spill over does not affect perceived competition, although the social supportive nature of the network seems more important than the economic drivers for participation.