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The search for the development of clusters in Tamaulipas, Mexico: A case study

Author

Listed:
  • Karla Paola Jiménez Almaguer.

    (Facultad de Comercio y Administración-Tampico de la Universidad Autónoma de Tamaulipas.)

  • José Melchor Medina Quintero.

    (Facultad de Comercio y Administración-Victoria de la Universidad Autónoma de Tamaulipas.)

  • Nazlhe Faride Cheín Schekaibán

    (Facultad de Comercio y Administración-Tampico de la Universidad Autónoma de Tamaulipas.)

Abstract

The advantages of industrial clusters as propenners of development have been widely noted. These advantages have prompted various administrations to propose the creation of clusters as a development policy. The state of Tamaulipas, Mexico has not been an exception. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the impact of environmental factors, cluster characteristics, and on the performance of cluster companies, particularly, in four industrial clusters in Tamaulipas (petrochemical, auto parts, electric-electronic, and information technology). Based on in-depth interviews with members and participants, our findings suggest that the performance of these cluster comes from geographical location advantages, sociocultural identity, internal networks, specialization, and human capital training; that knowledge sharing is discretionary, and that the region still needs research support (research institutions and government agencies). However, the case studies show that policy makers, firms and knowledge institutions should work in mutual understanding to improve clusters absorptive capacity in order to increase innovative capacity.

Suggested Citation

  • Karla Paola Jiménez Almaguer. & José Melchor Medina Quintero. & Nazlhe Faride Cheín Schekaibán, 2013. "The search for the development of clusters in Tamaulipas, Mexico: A case study," Economía: teoría y práctica, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, México, vol. 39(2), pages 89-117, Julio-Dic.
    • Handle: RePEc:ety:journl:v:39:y:2013:i:2:p:89-117
    DOI: 10.24275/ETYPUAM/NE/392013/Jimenez
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    industrial clusters; regional development; public policies; cluster performance.;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • L16 - Industrial Organization - - Market Structure, Firm Strategy, and Market Performance - - - Industrial Organization and Macroeconomics; Macroeconomic Industrial Structure
    • O40 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Growth and Aggregate Productivity - - - General
    • R11 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - General Regional Economics - - - Regional Economic Activity: Growth, Development, Environmental Issues, and Changes

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