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Is the influence of the industrial district on international activities being eroded by globalization?: Evidence from a traditional manufacturing industry

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  • Pla-Barber, José
  • Puig, Francisco

Abstract

This study provides insight into the impact of industrial districts on the international activities of firms, in the particular context of one traditional manufacturing industry: the Spanish home-textile industry. Using a sample of 128 manufacturing firms, the paper shows how location influences the timing and levels of exports and imports. Moreover, our results demonstrate how these influences have been diluted in recent years as the home-textile industry becomes more involved in the global arena. Our findings challenge some key arguments exploring the advantages of the district in the international activities of firms; in particular, first, in questioning the capacity of the district to prevent international sourcing, and second, its vulnerability to the threats created by the growing integration of the world economy.

Suggested Citation

  • Pla-Barber, José & Puig, Francisco, 2009. "Is the influence of the industrial district on international activities being eroded by globalization?: Evidence from a traditional manufacturing industry," International Business Review, Elsevier, vol. 18(5), pages 435-445, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:iburev:v:18:y:2009:i:5:p:435-445
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    4. José Pla-Barber & Cristina Villar & German Benito-Sarriá, 2020. "Configurational Theory in Traditional Manufacturing Industries: A New Model of High-Performing Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(17), pages 1-16, August.
    5. 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.
    6. Amdam, Rolv Petter & Lunnan, Randi & Bjarnar, Ove & Halse, Lise Lillebrygfjeld, 2020. "Keeping up with the neighbors: The role of cluster identity in internationalization," Journal of World Business, Elsevier, vol. 55(5).
    7. Jordi Catalan & Ramon Ramon-Munoz, 2011. "The origins of Made in Spain fashion. The competitive advantage of the textile, apparel and footwear districts since the Golden Age," Working Papers in Economics 265, Universitat de Barcelona. Espai de Recerca en Economia.
    8. Bettiol, Marco & Burlina, Chiara & Chiarvesio, Maria & Di Maria, Eleonora, 2017. "From Delocalisation to Backshoring? Evidence from Italian Industrial Districts," INVESTIGACIONES REGIONALES - Journal of REGIONAL RESEARCH, Asociación Española de Ciencia Regional, issue 39, pages 137-154.
    9. Mathews, Shane & Bianchi, Constanza & Perks, Keith J. & Healy, Marilyn & Wickramasekera, Rumintha, 2016. "Internet marketing capabilities and international market growth," International Business Review, Elsevier, vol. 25(4), pages 820-830.
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