“Best practice” procedures for the diffusion of technology within networks usually include minimum
standards for the small businesses, external funding apportionment, expected performance, and
confidentiality. Procedures will usually become less formal over time due to ideal size attainment
and growth realization. Good practice for the successful operation of a network is the realization by
small enterprises that it is not only an alliance of enterprises but also a partnership of entrepreneurs.
(Entrepreneurs will act as technological gatekeepers and will have an important role to play in the
operation of networks.) (Tomas, 1999) This needs to be reflected in network communications and good
relationships between the small firms will form the basis of good practice for the operation of the network.