The Mussel, the Hen, and the uninvited Duck: How a diverse network of actors in SMEs are impacting sustainable practices in the West Coast of Sweden

Abstract

This paper examines the diversity of a network of actors of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) concerning the practices of a company to decrease the negative effects of eutrophication by improving coastal water quality. The study is based on actions of a company within the mussel business at the West Coast of Sweden. With the contribution of a diverse network of actors in SMEs, there was a possibility to make the ocean healthier by decreasing the amount of nutrients in the water within the coastal waters in Sweden. The research does not limit to examine only human actors; it also takes into consideration non-human actors, which are discussed through the actor-network theory. The study shows that when different actors are organized around a common interest, other actors become interested and enrolled and as a result, the actors become mobilized and stabilize the network. Consequently, the results show that a diverse network of actors contributed in creating actions regarding sustainable strategies, that are beneficial for everyone in the network and the environment.