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Industrial districts and innovation: the case of the Spanish ceramic tiles industry

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  • F. Xavier Molina-Morales

Abstract

This paper examines the case of the Spanish ceramic tiles industrial district, with special emphasis on collective knowledge creation and innovation processes. Following a brief review of the literature based on industrial district characteristics, a framework with which to guide the empirical research is presented. The framework includes a set of conditions under which knowledge flows across firms' boundaries and how institutions shape knowledge diffusion. These include: (1) firm attributes; (2) the role of local institutions; (3) the importance of the social context; (4) lack of legal protection for innovations; (5) knowledge transmission mechanisms; and (6) specific outcomes of the district. These conditions are illustrated by using a comparative study, of which the key findings are as follows. First, the Spanish ceramic tile industrial district is characterized by small-sized firms, specialization and important product and technological overlaps. Second, there is the important role played by institutions, including academic and research institutions, as well as the relevancy of the social context and the lack of patents and other legal rights. There is also an intensive use of knowledge transmission mechanisms, such as the creation of firms, human resource mobility and informal channels of communication and, finally, a specific district technology and common perception of markets.

Suggested Citation

  • F. Xavier Molina-Morales, 2002. "Industrial districts and innovation: the case of the Spanish ceramic tiles industry," Entrepreneurship & Regional Development, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 14(4), pages 317-335, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:entreg:v:14:y:2002:i:4:p:317-335
    DOI: 10.1080/08985620210144992
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    Cited by:

    1. Cristina Boari & F. Xavier Molina-Morales & Luis Martínez-Cháfer, 2017. "Direct and Interactive Effects of Brokerage Roles on Innovation in Clustered Firms," Growth and Change, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 48(3), pages 336-358, September.
    2. Anna Lejpras, 2015. "Knowledge, location, and internationalization: empirical evidence for manufacturing SMEs," Economics of Innovation and New Technology, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 24(8), pages 734-754, November.
    3. José A. Belso-Martinez & Francesc Xavier Molina-Morales, 2013. "Non-Linear Relationships of Internal and External Resources on a Firm's Innovation: The Case of the Spanish Vinalopó Footwear Cluster," Growth and Change, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 44(3), pages 494-521, September.
    4. Musso, Fabio & Francioni, Barbara, 2011. "Foreign Markets Entry Mode Decision for Italian Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises," MPRA Paper 50067, University Library of Munich, Germany, revised 31 Oct 2011.
    5. Reig-Otero,Y. & Edwards-Schachter,M. & Feliú-Mingarro,C. & Fernández De Lucio,I., 2012. "Generation and diffusion of innovations in a District Innovation System: The case of ink-jet printing," INGENIO (CSIC-UPV) Working Paper Series 201208, INGENIO (CSIC-UPV).
    6. José Antonio Belso-Martínez & F. Xavier Molina-Morales, 2011. "The drivers of the open district development: a social capital approach," Regional Science Policy & Practice, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 3(2), pages 49-70, June.
    7. Gökhan Önder & Cemil Ulukan, 2020. "Innovation and the network position of firms: the case of the Eskişehir–Bilecik–Kütahya ceramic cluster in Turkey," Economia e Politica Industriale: Journal of Industrial and Business Economics, Springer;Associazione Amici di Economia e Politica Industriale, vol. 47(4), pages 589-612, December.
    8. Musso, Fabio & Francioni, Barbara, 2009. "Foreign markets entry mode decision for SMEs. Key factors and role of industrial districts," MPRA Paper 32153, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    9. Molina-Morales, Francesc Xavier & Martínez-Cháfer, Luís & Valiente-Bordanova, David, 2017. "Disruptive Technological Innovations as New Opportunities for Mature Industrial Clusters. The Case of Digital Printing Innovation in the Spanish Ceramic Tile Cluster," INVESTIGACIONES REGIONALES - Journal of REGIONAL RESEARCH, Asociación Española de Ciencia Regional, issue 39, pages 39-57.
    10. Huanmei Li & Graciela Zubielqui & Allan O’Connor, 2015. "Entrepreneurial networking capacity of cluster firms: a social network perspective on how shared resources enhance firm performance," Small Business Economics, Springer, vol. 45(3), pages 523-541, October.
    11. Thomas Brenner & André Mühlig, 2007. "Factors and Mechanisms Causing the Emergence of Local Industrial Clusters - A Meta-Study of 159 Cases," Papers on Economics and Evolution 2007-23, Philipps University Marburg, Department of Geography.
    12. Hervas Oliver,Jose Luis & Gonzalez,Gregorio & Caja,Pedro, 2014. "Clusters and industrial districts: where is the literature going? Identifying emerging sub-fields of research," INGENIO (CSIC-UPV) Working Paper Series 201409, INGENIO (CSIC-UPV).

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