VBE reference framework

Defining a comprehensive and generic "reference framework" for Virtual organizations Breeding Environments (VBEs), addressing all their features and characteristics, is challenging. While the definition and modeling of VBEs has become more formalized during the last five years, "reference models" for VBEs are yet to be established. Such models shall address the structural, componential, behavioral, operational, topological, cultural, and legal aspects of VBEs, among others. As such, identification/specification of the fundamental set of activities and functionalities associated with the VBEs, namely what needs to be supported by a VBE management system is also lacking. In the ECOLEAD project a first attempt contributing to the definition of a "reference framework" was made, addressing the fundamental elements of the VBEs. This framework was further validated through empirical trials by a number of international industry-based VBE networks involved in this project, as well as a few others outside. This chapter addresses the VBE reference framework and analyzes its fundamental elements, as classified into its characteristics and features, its reference modeling framework, its ontology, and addressing the VBE semi-typology that identifies an approach for its categorization.