I think there are more similarities than the author supposes between these "networks" and the traditional asian enterprise groups. For example, it's a classic feature of the keiretsu to have interlocking shareholdings, directors, and financial foundations, ensuring cross-pollination of resources and broadly aligned interests. I think that has more than a few parallels with emerging "business networks" such as ycombinator.

Obviously the scale is a little different, but hey, give it a century...