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Spatial Clustering and Organizational Dynamics of Transborder Production Networks: A Case Study of Taiwanese Information-Technology Companies in the Greater Suzhou Area, China

Author

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  • You-Ren Yang

    (Department of Geography, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan 10617)

  • Chu-Joe Hsia

    (Graduate Institute of Building and Planning, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan 10617)

Abstract

Transborder investment by Taiwanese information-technology (IT) companies has driven the development of a new industrial space in the Greater Suzhou Area (GSA) of China over the last ten years. In this paper we aim to explore some characteristics of this expansion from the perspective of the organizational dynamics of global production networks. We found that foreign brand-name companies have played a key role in propelling this wave of investment in the GSA by Taiwanese IT companies. At the same time, their business strategies have influenced the mechanisms governing these Taiwanese companies' supply chains and have forged the dynamics of spatial agglomeration. We argue that the transborder extension of the production networks is interwoven with the exercise of power between enterprise organizations. Our findings suggest that interdependence among firms in close geographical proximity is inseparable from the asymmetrical power relations embodied in global commodity chains; a point emphasized by economic geographers as the main reason for transborder production shifts that result in the formation of new industrial spaces in developing countries. However, if these production networks can respond collectively to such a strict environment through instituting suitable organizational governance, then their competitive advantage will be enhanced, while also benefiting the host region's development through localization.

Suggested Citation

  • You-Ren Yang & Chu-Joe Hsia, 2007. "Spatial Clustering and Organizational Dynamics of Transborder Production Networks: A Case Study of Taiwanese Information-Technology Companies in the Greater Suzhou Area, China," Environment and Planning A, , vol. 39(6), pages 1346-1363, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:envira:v:39:y:2007:i:6:p:1346-1363
    DOI: 10.1068/a38156
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Ann Markusen, 1996. "Sticky Places in Slippery Space: A Typology of Industrial Districts," Economic Geography, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 72(3), pages 293-313, July.
    2. Gereffi, Gary, 1999. "International trade and industrial upgrading in the apparel commodity chain," Journal of International Economics, Elsevier, vol. 48(1), pages 37-70, June.
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    Cited by:

    1. Chen, Liang-Chih, 2015. "Building extra-regional networks for regional innovation systems: Taiwan's machine tool industry in China," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 100(C), pages 107-117.
    2. Canfei He & Qi Guo & David Rigby, 2017. "What sustains larger firms? Evidence from Chinese manufacturing industries," The Annals of Regional Science, Springer;Western Regional Science Association, vol. 58(2), pages 275-300, March.
    3. Zhihua Xu & Anthony Yeh, 2013. "Origin Effects, Spatial Dynamics and Redistribution of FDI In Guangdong, China," Tijdschrift voor Economische en Sociale Geografie, Royal Dutch Geographical Society KNAG, vol. 104(4), pages 439-455, September.
    4. Zhou, Qingna & Gao, Ping & Chimhowu, Admos, 2019. "ICTs in the transformation of rural enterprises in China: A multi-layer perspective," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 145(C), pages 12-23.
    5. Daniel You‐Ren Yang & Neil M. Coe, 2009. "The Governance of Global Production Networks and Regional Development: A Case Study of Taiwanese PC Production Networks," Growth and Change, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 40(1), pages 30-53, March.

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