The investments in the social capital by SMEs

The aim of this work is to identify the different typologies of investment in the internal and external social capital by Small and Medium-sized Enterprises. Social capital represents the value embedded in the social relationships of individuals and collectives. We consider both primary perspectives of social capital: the bonding/strong-tie social capital refers to the cohesion within small groups; the bridging/weak-tie social capital favors contact and collaboration among members of diverse and unconnected groups. Through some case-studies, we propose an initial classification of investments, dedicated to social capital. They could be internal or external investments, direct or indirect, voluntary or not voluntary, formal or informal, costly or costless. This classification should help to understand how to affect social capital assets, especially by SMEs. In fact, these kind of firms, that are distinguished by scarcity of resources, could significantly take advantage of actual and potential resources, as well as appropriable, embedded in the social personal relationships. The role of entrepreneur is fundamental to promote the creation and exploitation of social capital, inside and outside the firm.