CSV Alliance Model of SMEs Considering Local Clusters in Japan

In recent years, Creating Shared Value (CSV), a management strategy based on the concept of creating both economic and social value for a company, has been attracting attention, and companies are trying to put it into practice. In Japan, one of the CSV approaches is also developing clusters, which in some cases create both value for companies. However, there are only a few empirical studies about CSV alliances in local industrial clusters in the context of inter-organizational networks. Especially in Japan, where SMEs comprise the majority of the supply chain, it is important for SMEs to seek and expand CSV alliances with other companies and organizations within the cluster. This study aims to propose CSV alliance models of SMEs among local clusters in Japan by using structural equation modeling. Then we target SMEs in local industrial clusters and construct the CSV alliance with regard to intra- and inter- organizational alliance management and local resources.