Success in the diffusion of technology within networks is often the result of small businesses following
“best practice” and this usually involves performance management. This is not easy to attain since the
process of technology transfer can be long and without success, the results of the network are difficult
to define and there may be discrepancies between the small firms. “Low” activity may arise due to
conflicts in a network. When these are efficiently managed and resolved they provide opportunities for
the small companies to broaden their experience and widen their understanding of other small firms’
views. When they are not conflict may lead to “low” activity. Conflict management and identification will
form part of the “best practice” of successful technology diffusion. Typical examples of “low” activity are
misunderstanding between small companies, different objectives and motives and under-performance
of a small business.