The role of network relations and previous knowledge in the ACAP of low-tech intensity clusters

IF 2.9 Q2 BUSINESS

Competitiveness Review Pub Date : 2022-08-16 DOI:10.1108/cr-12-2021-0168

F. Serra, J. Carneiro-da-Cunha, L. Vils, C. Rossetto

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Purpose The mainstream research on knowledge transfer and absorptive capacity (ACAP) in clusters was conducted in high-technology industries in developing countries. However, low technology intensity clusters present a different scenario that might affect this external knowledge transfer and ACAP. This study aims to understand the role of network relations and previous knowledge in the ACAP of a low-technology intensity cluster. Design/methodology/approach The authors analyzed companies from a low-technology industry in an emerging country. The authors collected 109 questionnaires from companies in the Brazilian footwear manufacturing cluster. Factor analysis led the independent variables to be regrouped into eight variables. This data set was analyzed using regression techniques. Findings In a low-tech cluster prevalently populated by small companies, companies have access to novelties and knowledge that influence their products and production through the frequency and stability of the network’s relational ties with the supplier. The quality of relationships with clients may provide access to products, materials, technologies and learning. Small companies consider intra-cluster competition because of limitations in accessing external competition. Although low-tech companies need to exchange knowledge and technology with suppliers and clients outside the cluster, most companies are limited in size because of liabilities. In a low-tech cluster dominated by small companies, access to better purchasing costs, new technologies or innovations is an expected weakness. Intra- and extra-cluster ties positively influenced ACAP, as did organizational capabilities, whereas employees’ skills did not. Originality/value Individual skills are not related to ACAP in low-technology intensity clusters. The level of ACAP in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) can be explained by the scope of individuals’ knowledge and other individual capabilities.

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网络关系和先验知识在低技术密集集群ACAP中的作用

目的对发展中国家高科技产业集群中的知识转移和吸收能力进行主流研究。然而，低技术强度集群呈现了一种不同的场景，可能会影响这种外部知识转移和ACAP。本研究旨在了解网络关系和先前知识在低技术强度集群ACAP中的作用。设计/方法论/方法作者分析了一个新兴国家低技术行业的公司。作者从巴西鞋类制造业集群的公司收集了109份问卷。因子分析将自变量重新组合为八个变量。使用回归技术对该数据集进行了分析。发现在一个普遍由小公司组成的低技术集群中，公司可以通过网络与供应商关系的频率和稳定性，获得影响其产品和生产的新颖性和知识。与客户关系的质量可以提供获得产品、材料、技术和学习的机会。小公司考虑集群内竞争是因为在获得外部竞争方面受到限制。尽管低技术公司需要与集群外的供应商和客户交流知识和技术，但由于负债，大多数公司的规模有限。在一个以小公司为主的低技术集群中，获得更好的采购成本、新技术或创新是一个预期的弱点。集群内和集群外的联系对ACAP产生了积极影响，组织能力也是如此，而员工的技能则没有。独创性/价值在低技术强度集群中，个人技能与ACAP无关。中小企业ACAP的水平可以用个人知识和其他个人能力的范围来解释。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

Competitiveness Review BUSINESS-

CiteScore

6.60

自引率

17.20%

发文量

期刊介绍： The following list indicates the key issues in the Competitiveness Review. We invite papers on these and related topics. Special issues of the Review will collect papers on specific topics selected by the editors. Definition/conceptual framework of competitiveness Competitiveness diagnostics and rankings Competitiveness and economic outcomes Specific dimensions of competitiveness Competitiveness and endowments Competitiveness and economic development Location and business strategy International business and the role of MNCs Innovation and innovative capacity Clusters and cluster initiatives Institutions for competitiveness Public policy (e.g., innovation, cluster development, regional development) The Competitiveness Review aims to publish high quality papers directed at scholars, government institutions, businesses and practitioners. It appears in collaboration with key academic and professional groups in the field of competitiveness analysis and policy, including the Microeconomics of Competitiveness (MOC) network and The Competitiveness Institute (TCI) practitioner network for competitiveness, clusters and innovation.