Abstract
The conditions of change and complexity that characterise the new environment are forcing companies to adopt more flexible organizational structures that allow a quicker adaptation to these continuous changes. States that there are very few companies with enough resources to form their own value chain. Opines this is one of the reasons why the establishment of collaborative agreements among companies seems to be one of the most interesting alternatives in order to complement one another's deficiencies. The formation process of a cooperative business network is analysed, identifying two principal stages: trial and integration. Through an analysis of the network formation process in a case study concerning the Spanish automotive sector, particular issues are identified that characterise the two stages of the process. Shows clearly that the role of information technology and information systems in this situation is very much one of a facilitator.