This monthly selection of articles is been carried out by Philippe Gugler and Basile de Raemy, from 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.

External relations of an Industry  4.0 cluster: the case study of the Hamburg aviation cluster

By: M. A. Götz. Regional Studies, DOI: 10.1080/00343404.2022.2162494, January 2023.

Abstract: “Based on the case study of the Hamburg aviation cluster (HAv), this paper touches upon the nature of cluster processes in digital transformation (Industry 4.0). The discussion is carried out with reference to the concept of hubbing, while highlighting the difference between classic internationalization. The aim of the paper is to unearth the nature of the cluster’s external expansion in the digitally reshaped era by investigating the case of an advanced aviation cluster officially branded as an Industry 4.0 cluster.” [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Can regional integration reduce  carbon intensity? Evidence from city cluster in China

By: Y. Feng, D. Peng, Y. Li, S. Liu. Environmental, Development and Sustainability, DOI: 10.1007/s10668-023-02932-8, January 2023.

Abstract: “The free flow of factors resulting from regional integration affects not only economic and social activities between cities, but also climate and environmental changes. Under the goal of sustainable development, regional integration as a policy pathway to lower carbon intensity has rarely been clarified. In light of this, using panel data of 279 prefecture-level cities in China from 2006 to 2019, this paper treats city cluster planning as a quasi-natural experiment of regional integration and aims to discuss the impact and mechanism of regional integration on carbon intensity through difference-in-differences (DID) method, mediating effect model and moderating effect model. The following results are reached: (1) The implementation of regional integration policy effectively reduces carbon intensity, and the conclusion still holds after a series of robustness tests. (2) Total factor productivity (TFP) is the mediator of regional integration to reduce carbon intensity, and population density, technological innovation and industrial upgrading are the moderators. (3) The effect of regional integration in reducing carbon intensity varies from city location and city features. The proposed theoretical framework of regional integration affecting carbon intensity, containing mediator and moderators, not only enriches the theoretical research in the field of environment and region, but also provides a new policy path for exploring sustainable development. Therefore, it is necessary to build urban agglomerations integrating the concepts of green, low carbon, intensive and efficient.” [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHORS]

Structuring SMEs Collaborations  Within a Cluster

By: M. Proulx, M. Gardoni, S. Farha. In IFIP Advances in information and  Communication Technology, DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-25182-5_4, February 2023.

Abstract: “Innovation is not limited to products and services; it is also used in a company’s processes such as interactions with its environment, i.e., open innovation. According to our research, there are few approaches to effectively enable and support collaboration between manufacturing companies, even if they are in the same industrial cluster. We selected a platform to structure collaboration between companies, based on a business model framework. We tested this platform with two partners in the Quebec aerospace cluster that knew each other. To evaluate the collaboration, we identified the criteria to quantify collaboration effectiveness, such as the number of topics or projects discussed, the number of meetings created or the success rate of the knowledge exchange. Experimentation was carried out over five months, with detailed observations of collaboration’s evolution. This platform initiated several collaborations between the two partners and increased the partners’ technological knowledge maturity. However, several obstacles, such as difference of vocabulary and intellectual property exist and hinder communication. These could become troublesome when partners who don’t know each other. Resolving these difficulties is the purpose of our future research.” [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHORS]

Role of Government in the  Construction of Zero-Waste Cities: A Case Study of China’s Pearl River Delta  City Cluster

By: Z. Zhang, J. Teng. Sustainability, DOI: 10.3390/su15021258, January 2023.

Abstract: “Urbanization and industrialization have contributed to the rapid growth of solid waste production, posing serious challenges to the urban governance field. Consequently, the concept of “zero waste” (ZW) has gradually become the common goal pursued by human society. At the end of 2021, China initiated the second phase of ZW city (ZWC) construction. Several pilot areas were selected and these areas have exhibited the characteristics of regionalization in distribution. However, previous studies on China’s ZWCs have mainly summarized and reflected on the results of the first phase of practice, ignoring the development requirements of city cluster construction. The transformation from the ZWC to “zero-waste city clusters” (ZWCCs) requires the government, as a leader, to change its role to adapt to the new development trend. This study selects Shenzhen and the Pearl River Delta City Cluster (PRDCC) in the pilot cities as the research objects to discuss the successful experience of Shenzhen in terms of the improvement of the legal framework, establishment of a centralized park governance model, and establishment of an information platform. Based on the specific situation of the PRDCC, the study analyzes how the government should accomplish the transformation of its role and re-stablish its positioning. Furthermore, a case study reveals that the government should change its dominant role to a collaborator’s role to effectively promote ZWC construction, given the problems of unbalanced regional economic level, inconsistent solid waste treatment capacity, noncooperation among multiple subjects, and imperfect coordination mechanism. The study provides three recommendations for this purpose, including supporting enterprises and social organizations with institutional incentives and establishing a benign interaction model with multiple actors as well as a sound publicity and monitoring model. In conclusion, the transformation of China from ZWCs to ZWCC is in accordance with the development law, and the government must adapt to the law and change the governance model accordingly. The study provides a reference for ZWC construction in other countries or regions.” [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHORS]

Clustering potential of organized industrial zones in  Türkiye

By: A. Sakarya. Asia.Pacific Journal of Regional Science, DOI: 10.1007/s41685-022-00272-5, January 2023.

Abstract: “This article analyzes the clustering potentials of organized industrial zones (OIZs) in Türkiye. Studies related to cluster identification first identify the related industries and then analyze the spatial agglomerations of the related industries. To define the clustering potential of OIZs, first the related industries are identified using an input–output table showing the inter-industry trade relations and a formula is suggested to calculate the clustering potential coefficient. This coefficient is an original contribution to the literature. Also, this study is the first to analyze all OIZs in Türkiye using clustering potentials. Of the 347 organized industrial zones in Türkiye, 193 were analyzed. The results show the OIZs are agglomerated in specific regions and the OIZs located in populous and industrialized regions have higher occupancy rates. Also, OIZs clustering potential varies with production type. Specialized OIZs have a greater potential than mixed OIZs. Also, OIZs with greater clustering potential do not agglomerate but are spread across the country.” [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Overcoming knowledge network failures: evidence from a  French interregional scientific alliance in green chemistry

By: M. Maisonobe, B. Bernela. Regional Studies, DOI: 10.1080/00343404.2022.2155296, January 2023.

Abstract: “Competition in research has led to the emergence of new regional spaces and interorganizational arrangements, designed to improve their participants’ visibility, at the crossroads of regional systems and global exchanges. This article investigates the determinants of the formation of interregional scientific alliances through the in-depth case study of a federation of research laboratories in green chemistry in western France. Working from bibliometric and qualitative data and using a network analysis approach to evidence interurban network failures in this scientific field, we examine the federation’s geographical scope. We highlight the decisive role of (1) the spatial organization of the field (structure effect), (2) interpersonal ties between consortium members (network effect) and (3) national scientific guidelines and incentives (policy effect). We propose a novel mixed-method approach to understand interregional alliances and defend its potential to uncover the importance of interregional institutional arrangements in prompting interurban knowledge exchanges.” [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHORS]

Place-based industrial and regional strategy – levelling the  playing field

By: D. Bailey, C. N. Pitelis, P. R. Tomlinson. Regional Studies, DOI: 10.1080/00343404.2023.2168260, February 2023.

Abstract: “Over the past decade there has been renewed interest in the role of industrial strategy in enhancing innovation, productivity, and competitiveness within and across firms, sectors and regions with an eye to fostering more balanced regional economic growth. This special issue explores how policymakers could adopt place-based industrial policy measures to foster regional catch up and a more balanced and cohesive regional growth. In doing so, the papers are a mix of contributions that develop theory, provide evidence and highlight ‘state of the art’ or good practice that can inform a level playing field fostering regional industrial strategy [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHORS]

Responsible research and innovation in Europe: empirical  evidence from regional planning initiatives in Austria, Norway, and Spain

By: D. Casale Mashiah, I. Beeri, E. Vigoda-Gadot, A. Hartman. European Planning Studies, DOI: 10.1080/09654313.2023.2170215, February 2023.

Abstract: “Responsible research and innovation (RRI) has recently emerged as a policy framework to align technological innovation with broader social values. It helps regions focus on their strengths and boost their innovation, growth, and prosperity through partnerships between business, public entities, and knowledge institutions. However, the study of RRI dynamics including whether and how attitudes, drivers, and behaviours at the individual, organizational, and network levels affect the impact of RRI, is in its infancy. Based on a survey of societal actors from three regional innovation ecosystems in Norway, Austria, and Spain, we examine the role of RRI in responsible regional planning. Our study advances our knowledge about regional innovation policies by providing evidence of how different stakeholders and policymakers engage in RRI when designing responsible regional planning. We identify the extent to which they incorporate RRI activities into their work practices, the extent to which their organizations and network support their practices and outcomes, and the effects they have observed. Our study also considers the factors that promote or impede RRI activities. The results are particularly relevant for policy makers interested in strengthening regional innovation policies and boosting regional growth via RRI.” [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHORS]

Smart Manufacturing as a Management  Strategy to Achieve Sustainable Competitiveness

By: M. R. Ejaz. Journal of the Knowledge Economy, DOI: 10.1007/s13132-023-01097-z, January 2023.

Abstract: “The aim of this study is to determine whether smart technologies can bring sustainable competitiveness to manufacturing firms and this study attempts to determine it through theoretical linear modelling. This paper reflects on the importance of sustainable competitiveness and means of achieving sustainable competitiveness by highlighting it through analysis of scientific literature review. It explains competitiveness by the means of resources and capabilities, clustering, and public policy. This study also presents an analytical framework that interlinks Quintuple Helix model, Industry 5.0, and sustainable competitive. This study also emphasizes on a management strategy that explains how a manufacturing firm devise a strategy to obtain sustainable competitiveness. A theoretical linear model is developed that identifies digital technologies proven to be the source of manufacturing competitiveness. This work also shed light to the limitations in order to measure or determine competitiveness factor at national, regional, or firm level. For the future researchers, this study provides a baseline to develop a mechanism of measuring competitiveness based on smart technology.” [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]