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The changing fortunes and future prospects of a traditional industrial cluster: Woollen textile production in the Scottish Borders

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  • Allen J Scott

Abstract

I examine the development and current situation of the woollen knitwear and woven fabric industry in the Scottish Borders. The paper opens with a brief theoretical exposition of the logic and dynamics of industrial clusters. An overview of the consolidation of the industry as a multifaceted spatial cluster or agglomeration in the 19th century is presented. I then describe changes in the locational structure and productive capacities of the industry over the last several decades. I provide a diagnosis of the industry’s decline in recent years together with an assessment of relevant stocks of region-based resources and capabilities. I argue that the Scottish Borders region lacks many of the pooled competitive advantages typically found in successful clusters but that carefully modulated policy could do much to improve local economic performance in the future. A number of specific policy guidelines focussed on inter-industrial relations, labour markets and institutional infrastructures are examined.

Suggested Citation

  • Allen J Scott, 2022. "The changing fortunes and future prospects of a traditional industrial cluster: Woollen textile production in the Scottish Borders," Local Economy, London South Bank University, vol. 37(3), pages 125-141, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:loceco:v:37:y:2022:i:3:p:125-141
    DOI: 10.1177/02690942221093039
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Scott, Allen J., 2006. "The Changing Global Geography of Low-Technology, Labor-Intensive Industry: Clothing, Footwear, and Furniture," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 34(9), pages 1517-1536, September.
    2. Udo Staber, 2001. "Spatial Proximity and Firm Survival in a Declining Industrial District: The Case of Knitwear Firms in Baden-Wu¨rttemberg," Regional Studies, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 35(4), pages 329-341.
    3. Joseph F. Porac & Howard Thomas & Charles Baden‐Fuller, 1989. "Competitive Groups As Cognitive Communities: The Case Of Scottish Knitwear Manufacturers," Journal of Management Studies, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 26(4), pages 397-416, July.
    4. Allen J. Scott, 2005. "The shoe industry of Marikina City, Philippines: a developing country cluster in crisis," Urban/Regional 0511003, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    5. Florian Butollo, 2015. "Growing against the odds: government agency and strategic recoupling as sources of competitiveness in the garment industry of the Pearl River Delta," Cambridge Journal of Regions, Economy and Society, Cambridge Political Economy Society, vol. 8(3), pages 521-536.
    6. Tewari, Meenu, 1999. "Successful Adjustment in Indian Industry: the Case of Ludhiana's Woolen Knitwear Cluster," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 27(9), pages 1651-1671, September.
    7. Scott Waldron & Colin Brown & Adam M. Komarek, 2014. "The Chinese Cashmere Industry: A Global Value Chain Analysis," Development Policy Review, Overseas Development Institute, vol. 32(5), pages 589-610, September.
    8. Braunerhjelm, Pontus & Feldman, Maryann P. (ed.), 2007. "Cluster Genesis: Technology-Based Industrial Development," OUP Catalogue, Oxford University Press, number 9780199232208.
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    1. Kirsti Reitan Andersen & Esben Rahbek Gjerdrum Pedersen, 2024. "Place and sense of place in local manufacturing: How local fashion and textile companies in Norway work with and through place-based tensions," Local Economy, London South Bank University, vol. 39(3-4), pages 107-126, May.

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