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Spatial and non-spatial proximity in inter-firm relations: An empirical analysis

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  • Anne Aguilera

    (LVMT - Laboratoire Ville, Mobilité, Transport - IFSTTAR - Institut Français des Sciences et Technologies des Transports, de l'Aménagement et des Réseaux - UPEM - Université Paris-Est Marne-la-Vallée - ENPC - École des Ponts ParisTech)

  • Virginie Lethiais

    (LUSSI - Département Logique des Usages, Sciences sociales et Sciences de l'Information - UEB - Université européenne de Bretagne - European University of Brittany - Télécom Bretagne - IMT - Institut Mines-Télécom [Paris], MARSOUIN - Môle Armoricain de Recherche sur la SOciété de l'information et des usages d'INternet - UR - Université de Rennes - UEB - Université européenne de Bretagne - European University of Brittany - UBS - Université de Bretagne Sud - ENSAI - Ecole Nationale de la Statistique et de l'Analyse de l'Information [Bruz] - UBO - Université de Brest - Télécom Bretagne - IMT - Institut Mines-Télécom [Paris] - UR2 - Université de Rennes 2)

  • Alain Rallet

    (ADIS - Analyse des Dynamiques Industrielles et Sociales - UP11 - Université Paris-Sud - Paris 11 - Département d'Economie)

Abstract

This article describes a variety of combinations with regard to proximities (spatial and non-spatial) in inter-firm relations, and identifies their main determinants. The data employed comes from a survey of more than 1400 small and medium-sized firms in the Brittany region (France), which describe the relationship with their principal partner. Apart from spatial distance between partners, it identifies three forms of non-spatial proximity - cognitive, technological and organisational - which are assessed in terms of their role in the relations. A typology of the relationships based on forms of proximity identifies a wide variety of configurations, which depend primarily on and the nature of the relationship, and especially on the need for coordination.

Suggested Citation

  • Anne Aguilera & Virginie Lethiais & Alain Rallet, 2012. "Spatial and non-spatial proximity in inter-firm relations: An empirical analysis," Post-Print hal-00703639, HAL.
    • Handle: RePEc:hal:journl:hal-00703639
    DOI: 10.1080/09654313.2014.979137
    Note: View the original document on HAL open archive server: https://hal.science/hal-00703639v1
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Kristina Jespersen & Damiana Rigamonti & Morten Berg Jensen & Rune Bysted, 2018. "Analysis of SMEs partner proximity preferences for process innovation," Small Business Economics, Springer, vol. 51(4), pages 879-904, December.
    2. André Torre & Frederic Wallet Wallet, 2013. "The role of proximity relations in regional and territorial development processes," ERSA conference papers ersa13p792, European Regional Science Association.
    3. Virginie Lethiais & Anne Aguilera, 2014. "Les déterminants de la fréquence du face à face dans les relations interentreprises : une analyse empirique," Post-Print hal-01213993, HAL.
    4. Christian Omobhude & Shih-Hsin Chen, 2019. "The Roles and Measurements of Proximity in Sustained Technology Development: A Literature Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(1), pages 1-30, January.
    5. Johnston, Andrew & Huggins, Robert, 2018. "Partner selection and university-industry linkages: Assessing small firms' initial perceptions of the credibility of their partners," Technovation, Elsevier, vol. 78(C), pages 15-26.

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