Presentation done by Michael Steiner
This document discusses multidimensional networks and the changing nature of inter-firm collaboration. It analyzes how cluster research has shifted from analyzing agglomeration forces to examining knowledge exchange within clusters. Specifically, it examines how interfirm alliances and networks are an important form of innovative activity. The document also presents a case study on the automobile and machinery sector in Austria that maps the network of interactions between firms and research institutions. It finds that networks are dominated by knowledge-intensive relations and knowledge diffusion is selective depending on firm capabilities. Clusters can act as institutions that generate and diffuse knowledge, leading to higher competitiveness, but there are no automatic agglomeration effects.
Presentation done by Michael Steiner
- 2. Multidimensional networks: the changing character and framework of interfirm collaboration Michael Steiner Michael Ploder 13th TCI Annual Global Conference, New Delhi Delhi, 29th November - 3rd December 2010
- 3. CLUSTERS, KNOWLEDGE and COMPETITIVENESS - new focus of cluster research: from analysis of forces of agglomeration to forms and contents of knowledge exchange - successful regions display innovative capacity, create knowledge and stay one step ahead of competitors - shift in emphasis: from material links to immaterial knowledge flows within clusters - interfirm alliances and networks as important form of innovative activity
- 4. - Marshall (1890/1920), Weber (1929), Hoover (1948), Myrdal (1957), Kaldor (1972), Dixon/Thirlwell (1975), Storper (1995, 1997), Granovetter (1994), Amin/Thrift (1995), Mariotti/Delbridge (2001), Gay/Dousset (2005), Belussi (2006), Gordon/McCann (2000, GEOGRAPHICAL AGGLOMERATION and LOCAL NETWORKS (2005), Belussi (2006), Gordon/McCann (2000, 2005), Rychen/Zimmermann (2008), Reid/Smith/Carroll (2008) …. - externalities are widely enforced by informal dimensions, need for “institutional thickness” - need for micro-perspective – selective interaction of actors - important to distinguish between content (type of relation) and form (social structure of relation) - intersectoral differences in spatial agglomeration depending of prevailing sectoral + technological pattern
- 5. SOCIAL NETWORK ANALYSIS in a QUALITATIVE CONTEXT - case study on automobile / machinery sector in Styria / Austria: 18 producers, 5 technical business services, 9 R+D institutions - interaction: DELIV PRE-COMP R+D COM R+DCOM R+D - resulting network - main results: density strongest for PRE-COMP R+D different position of actors in network as to centre / periphery, kind of interaction, gate-keeper depending on firm-specific characteristics (size, R+D- intensity, export-orientation …) - also: human resources and regional labour market discriminative capabilities and heterogeneous strategies of firms
- 6. Fig. 1: Network of firms and knowledge generating institutions Source: present authors
- 7. - changing historical background resulting in changing role of geographical agglomeration: learn to cooperate, develop potential for innovation, focus on market niches, specialize technologically - different dimensions of interaction: NEW PERSPECTIVES for CLUSTERS and COMPETITIVENESS - different dimensions of interaction: network is dominated by knowledge intensive relations - diffusion of knowledge within clusters highly selective, depending on firm capabilities and firm behaviour - no automatic agglomeration effects but: clusters as institutions for knowledge generation and diffusion leading to a higher competitiveness