Industrial Districts as Open Learning Systems: Combining Emergent and Deliberate Knowledge Structures

Abstract

This article deepens the theoretical understanding of learning processes in industrial districts (IDs) by analysing the emergent and deliberate structures that favour knowledge transfer at the local and distance level. An analytical framework illustrates district-learning dynamics through two mechanisms. The first is the exploitation of local knowledge structures. The second is the exploration of distant knowledge structures. We claim that a combination of the two mechanisms enhances the competitiveness of industrial districts in the global arena. We illustrate how these theoretical reflections find empirical evidence in the case of the Lake Naivasha cut-flower district in Kenya.

A Network-based view of regional growth

“…In terms of the defining features of knowledge, with the exception of the most economically leading regions across the globe, it is likely that the most superior and excludable knowledge will be accessed from outside a region, while the most miscible knowledge is more likely to be contained within the region (Weterings and Ponds, 2009;Belussi and Sedita, 2011).…”

“…As Westlund and Nilsson (2005) argue, 'when these investments are made in social networks, it is logical to say that they amass a form of 'social capital'' (p. 1081). However, when organisations deliberately invest in networks, these networks are different from social networks as they concern the development of relationships which Williamson (1993) refers to as 'calculative', since they consist of actions motivated by expected economic benefits (Hite and Hesterly, 2001;Belussi and Sedita, 2011).…”

Entrepreneurship, innovation and regional growth: a network theory

“…When organizations deliberately invest in networks, these networks are necessarily different from social networks as they concern the development of relationships which Williamson (1993) refers to as 'calculative', since they consist of actions motivated by expected economic benefits (Hite and Hesterly 2001;Belussi and Sedita 2012). The notion of network capital is a response to the increased recognition that inter-organizational networks can be considered a strategic resource for firms (Mowery et al 1996;Dyer and Singh 1998;Madhavan et al 1998;Lorenzoni and Lipparini 1999;Kogut 2000;Gulati 2007).…”

“…If some firms and organizations are based in another region, it is likely that some of the benefits of this knowledge flow will also accrue to this other region. Therefore, it may well be the case that the knowledge flowing from organizations in this other region is more economically valuable (in terms of its superiority, excludability or miscibility) than that available in the focus region, with the advantages in terms of the nature of the knowledge outweighing any disadvantages in terms of location (Boschma and Ter Wal 2007;Weterings and Ponds 2009;Belussi and Sedita 2012).…”

Assessing Overall Network Structure in Regional Innovation Policies: A Case Study of Cluster Policy in the West Midlands in the UK

“…In addition, as the localised and distance learning are complementary, it would be optimal for regional agglomerations to blend these two together (Belussi & Sedita, 2012).…”