This monthly selection of articles is been carried out by Philippe Gugler and Basile de Raemy, the Center for Competitiveness, University of Fribourg. The entire selection, carried out since 2013, can be consulted on the academic articles page of our web.

FDI and cities: network dynamics in cleantech innovation

By: E. Turkina, N. Sultana. Competitiveness Review, DOI: 10.1108/CR-03-2022-0038, October 2022.

Abstract: “Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to understand the relationship between foreign direct investment (FDI) and cities and how the relationship between multinational enterprise (MNEs) and local firms facilitates regional cleantech innovation. Design/methodology/approach – Using a combination of social network analysis, regression analysis and interview analysis, the authors map and analyze a cleantech cluster to investigate the relationship between MNEs and local firms and the resulting effects on cleantech innovation. Findings – The findings of the paper indicate that FDI plays a crucial role in cities and their local clusters by acting as a broker between a diverse set of actors: firms, institutions, universities, financial and other intermediaries. Additionally, connectedness to MNEs improves local firms’ innovation. Research limitations/implications – This study is not free of limitations, mainly, because of the aspects that the analysis is based on one city and one cleantech hub. Further research could verify whether the findings of this paper hold in other cities and industries. Practical implications – The findings, elucidating the connection between MNEs and local firms, as well as MNEs being important brokers in the local system, and the resulting impact, will help policymakers to take appropriate actions and support the local cleantech innovation. It is important to not only attract high-quality FDI into local clusters, but also to create and support collaborations between foreign firms and local actors, because colocation does not automatically leads to positive spillovers and a lot depends on how MNEs are integrated into the local milieu. Social implications – The present paper argues that FDI plays an important role in local cleantech innovation and it is important to integrate foreign firms in local social networks. Originality/value – The authors analyze FDI patterns in an emerging industry at the city and local cluster level using a unique database containing the information on relationships between MNEs and local firms, as well as interview data.” [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHORS]

Assessment of the Economic Efficiency of the Production  System of a Regional Industrial Cluster

By M. I. Kuzmina, O. A. Minaeva, I. A. Tarasova, O. A. Avdeyuk. Digital Technologies and Institutions for Sustainable Development, DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-04289-8_28, October 2022.

Abstract: “The paper addresses the current state of the theory of cluster formation and functioning. We focused on the efficiency and effectiveness of the cluster functioning and identified fundamental differences between the categories. Besides, we clarified and supplemented the concept of “economic efficiency of the production system” and proposed a methodology for assessing and analyzing various indicators of the efficiency of the production system of a regional industrial cluster.” [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHORS]

The Impact of Individualism and  Collectivism on the Diffusion of ICT in a Craft Cluster: The Case of the  Brassware Cluster of Constantine and the Jewellery Cluster of Batna

By: B. Lamis, A. Asma. Management and Information Technology in the Digital Era, DOI: 10.1108/S1877-636120220000029012, September 2022.

Abstract: “Focusing on the development of the craft sector seems to be a good alternative to compensate for the effects of economic crises. Indeed, the handicraft sector is characterised by considerable growth in job creation and wealth production, bringing together ancestral know-how and adaptation to new technologies. Only not all innovations are necessarily adopted. The insertion of technological innovations in the artisanal cluster may face resistance from some artisans or rejection from all of them. This work aims to measure and understand the impacts that the individualistic or collectivist culture could have on the communication and the willingness of the artisans to share their knowledge and, therefore, the capacity of the cluster to disseminate the innovation. The methodology adopted in this research is analytical, materialised by quantitative-qualitative field surveys. This will allow us a better understanding of our research object.” [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHORS]

Industry 4.0 and industry 5.0: can clusters deal with the  challenges? (A systemic approach) 

By: I. Gagnidze. Kybernetes, DOI: 10.1108/K-07-2022-1005, October 2022.

Abstract: “Purpose - The purpose of this conceptual paper is to substantiate the idea that clusters will cope with the challenges of Industry 4.0, Industry 5.0 and remain one of the drivers for the development of the local economy. Design/methodology/approach - For the preparation of this paper, the author reviewed the literature on Cluster 4.0, Industry 4.0, Industry 5.0, green and blue recovery, as well as the future of jobs and systems. Data, reports and surveys (UN, OECD, World Economic Forum, McKinsey Global Institute, D2L, etc.) were analysed in detail, in order to create a clear picture related to the research topic. The opinions expressed in the article are depicted graphically, and were developed by the author. Findings - First, predictions on Industry 4.0 challenges are outlined, and the reasons as to why clusters are expected to succeed in the digital era are substantiated; second, the direction of development in the digital era is depicted in a two-dimensional plane; and third, the direction of development in digital era within the clusters is graphically presented as a system. Originality/value - For this purpose, the author has developed a new approach to connect clusters and digitalisation with the self-designed graphical images.” [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Some Example of Best Practices in  Creative Tourism: How Do Entrepreneurs’ Fit in the Market and Possible  Clusters? 

By: E. Borges Scalabrini, J. Alves. Creative Tourism and Sustainable Territories, DOI: 10.1108/978-1-80262-681-020221007, September 2022.

Abstract: “This chapter explores some examples of good and not-so-good practices implemented worldwide, especially in Southern Europe, in Creative Tourism activities developed by entrepreneurs. The case studies used in the present chapter are located either in urban territories, small cities or rural areas. The global market introduces some difficulties in achieving good practices, highlighting the need to improve solid partnerships. The support from private and public sectors to institutions and enterprises developing creative tourism activities is analysed. Administrative and economic difficulties are also considered, and some proposals for the future survival of institutions and enterprises. In a global market, the definition of clusters is playing an increasing role in the survival of local and regional economies. In the tourism market, where seasonality is also a significant problem with difficult resolution, creating clusters can also be a great tool to contradict this. However, the success of implementing clusters in the tourism market depends on strong leadership and in-depth monitoring of results planned to be achieved. The present chapter considers clustering in Creative Tourism and the difficulties of implementing it in South Europe. Cultural and organisational issues are highlighted, as well as the need to construct thematic clusters that feature the needs of tourists.” [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHORS]

Just transitions for industrial decarbonization: A framework  for innovation, participation, and justice. 

By: P. Upham, B. Sovacool, B. Ghosh. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, DOI: 10.1016/j.rser.2022.112699, October 2022.

Abstract: “Here we propose a framework for considering the justice issues of industrial cluster decarbonisation, a pressing challenge confronting many industrialised economies. Industrial clusters are large, multi-point source emitters, users of energy and employers of regional and national significance. In the UK, establishing low carbon industrial clusters is one of several grand challenges of industrial strategy. Theorising the just transition of industrial clusters requires concepts from multiple literatures. We abstract relevant themes from the intersections of the literatures of just transitions, innovation studies and sociotechnical transitions, and public participation in spatial planning, and illustrate their empirical relevance. The broad themes of our framework are (i) politics, space and institutions, with sub-themes of justice, democracy, financialization; (ii) new processes and procedures, with sub-themes of legal recognition of public concerns, community-based planning, community capacity enhancement and life cycle impact assessment; and (iii) correlates of acceptance and resistance, with sub-themes of environmental values, perceived loss of amenity, pre-existing politics, perceptions of just process and trust in the developer. The framework is intended to both guide the design of just transition processes ex-ante and evaluate these post-hoc.” [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHORS]

Patent actor-network formation from  regional innovation to open innovation: a comparison between Europe and China

By: B. Zhang, Y. Ji. European Planning Studies, DOI: 10.1080/09654313.2022.2132782, October 2022.

Abstract: “The automotive industry faces the challenge of digital transformation at present, especially the autonomous vehicle. To explore the innovation links between different regional innovation systems, this study proposed a theoretical framework combining actor network, regional innovation and open innovation systems. Through the social network analysis and non-parametric test of patent data, the research findings show many significant differences between Europe and China. Finally, some suggestions are provided for strategy planning and policy implementation of open innovation.” [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHORS]

Trade in creative services:  relatedness and regional specialization in the UK

By: P. Casadei, E. Vanino, N. Lee. Regional Studies, DOI: 10.1080/00343404.2022.2112165, October 2022.

Abstract: “Creative services have become an important, but understudied, part of global trade. This paper presents new evidence on the transformation, geography and industrial relatedness of creative service exports in the UK, using the Inquiry in International Trade in Services (ITIS) database. Creative services exports have grown over the past decade, but there are pronounced patterns of geographical specialization in the export of creative and non-creative services. We develop a measure of relatedness between exports of creative and non-creative services and of manufacturing goods. We argue that creative services are economically significant because of their interrelationship with other local sectors.” [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHORS]

The Contribution of Innovation Hubs Towards Strengthening  the Regional Development in Sweden

By: E. H. Chowdhury, D. Fjellström, A. Osarenkhoe, S. V. Sawunda Hannadige, D. K. Chiranthini Weerasingh. International Journal of Innovation and Technology Management, DOI: 10.1142/S0219877023500104, September 2022.

Abstract: “Aim: This study aims to explore the influence of innovation hubs (IHs) on innovation-based regional development. Methodology: This study applied a qualitative approach using a multiple case study method to collect data through 10 semi-structured interviews. A detailed analysis of the data collected was conducted using the content analysis method. Findings: The study shows that IHs can influence both economic and social development. An IH can attract knowledge and expertise as well as investors to the region through its activities and geographical location. The hubs support start-ups, entrepreneurs and smart specialization at the same time as they also enable sustainable development by creating social value. Regions can exchange resources through cross-collaboration via IHs. Research Implications: This study has important theoretical managerial and societal implications. It adds comprehensive knowledge to the existing theory on IHs and regional development by highlighting the influence of IHs on regional development. The study shows both economic and social influence in detail and points out a previously undiscussed concept in the context of the correlation between IHs and regional development.” [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHORS]