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.

What holds a regional cluster  together? The role of cluster actors’ identification and citizenship behavior  for the effectiveness of a regional cluster

By: E. F. Mueller, S. Fuchs. International Studies of Management & Organization, DOI: 10.1080/00208825.2023.2180219, February 2023.

Abstract: “Working across companies in regional clusters has become a common practice, but there is limited research on the socio-psychological processes that bind cluster actors. Therefore, this study investigates the factors that hold regional clusters and their actors together. We combine research on social identity theory and organizational citizenship behavior with cluster research to advance knowledge of identification processes and citizenship behaviors in regional clusters. The results of a survey of cluster actors in a sensor technology cluster in Germany show that not all antecedents of identification considered important in organizational contexts play a role in cluster actors’ identification with the cluster. Cluster distinctiveness, visible cluster affiliation, and group formation are relevant but cluster prestige and inter- and intra-cluster competition are not. The results also emphasize the importance of cluster identification for cluster actors’ willingness to exhibit citizenship behavior and the importance of these behaviors as predictors of sustained cluster effectiveness.” [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHORS]

Microfoundations of dynamic  coopetition capabilities in firms from a microbrewery cluster

By: L. M. da Silva, A. B. da Silveira, J. M. Monticelli, C. Kretschmer. Revista de Gestão, DOI: 10.1108/REGE-04-2021-0064, February 2023.

Abstract: “Purpose – The objective of this research is to analyze the microfoundations of dynamic capabilities used by microbreweries in Porto Alegre (Brazil) in their coopetition strategies. Design/methodology/approach – A case study with a qualitative approach was developed. Data were collected during interviews with owners of 11 microbreweries, via analysis of documents and nonparticipatory observation. The authors used the content analysis technique to infer knowledge. Findings – The authors identified the microfoundations of dynamic coopetition capabilities including collective purchases, shared distribution expenses, shared production, education of consumers and other beer producers, group interaction and a business roundtable with entrepreneurs from the food and drink sector in the hospitality industry. Research  limitations/implications – The authors developed a framework that considers the relationship between the microfoundations of dynamic capabilities and coopetition regarding the paradox between competition and cooperation. It is relevant to identify different actors’ movements and the potential outcomes of coopetitive strategies, which yield a competitive advantage for the cluster. Practical implications – Together, the microfoundations of dynamic capabilities contribute to the competitive advantage of the cluster. Originality/value – The study highlights how small companies can jointly develop competitive advantage in a market dominated by a large company.” [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHORS]

Sustainable supply chain clusters:  an integrated framework

By: M. R. Barakat, N. Tipi, J. S. Wu. Management Decision, DOI: 10.1108/MD-03-2021-0400, February 2023.

Abstract: “Purpose – This research aims to provide a conceptual framework with the scope to assist in establishing sustainable supply chain clusters (SCCs) by providing an instrument for organisations to enhance the three sustainability dimensions in a dynamic environment. Design/methodology/approach – This research proposes a conceptual framework to enhance sustainability and organisational performance through three theoretical lenses: the system theory, extended resource-based view and the dynamic capabilities (DCs) theory. This approach is carried out through a comprehensive review of the existing literature on SCCs. Findings – Four main propositions are formulated and demonstrated using the developed framework, which expands the discussion about SCCs and their key characteristics in a dynamic environment. This is particularly relevant as it allows empirical testing of the theories in an SCC context. Research  limitations/implications – It can be noted that more extensive research is needed to further understand the issues faced in establishing sustainable clusters. Drawing on the theoretical lenses to establish the framework helps to enhance the understanding and operational capabilities of sustainable SCCs during and after disruptions, such as the global disruption created by COVID-19. Practical implications – This research paves the way to help organisations improve their adaptability to the dynamic business environment by emphasizing the importance of clustering and linking it to sustainability through DCs to establish a sustainable cluster. Originality/value – This research aims to guide organisations’ use of SCCs as tools to enhance sustainability in a dynamic environment, given that the relationship amongst supply chain cluster design characteristics (SCCDCs), DCs and sustainability remains unexplored. The combination of the three theoretical lenses in developing the proposed framework will assist in further understanding the applicability of these theories when they are considered together.” [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHORS]

Military investment and the rise of  industrial clusters: Evidence from China’s self-strengthening movement 

By: S. Bo, C. Liu, Y. Zhou. Journal of Development Economics, DOI: 10.1016/j.jdeveco.2022.103015, March 2023.

Abstract: “This paper investigates the short- and long-term impact of large-scale military investment on civilian industrial growth by focusing on China’s first attempt to modernize its military sector between 1861 and 1894. Panel data from 1858 to 1937 suggest that the program generated positive effects on civilian firm entry, but these effects appeared only after the government relaxed constraints on the entry of private firms. Long-term analysis shows that counties that received more military investment through the program, driven by plausibly exogenous ex ante political connections, had greater output in civilian industries in the 1930s. Analysis of the mechanisms suggest that the program boosted local economies through input–output linkages, human capital accumulation, and the rise of modern banks.” [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHORS]

A Cluster Strategy of Business Integration to Support  Digital Competitiveness

By: J. V. Ragulina, V. N. Ostrovskaya, I. V. Marakulina, E. S. Akopova. Game Strategies for Business Integration in the Digital Economy, DOI: 10.1108/S1069-096420230000027021, March 2023.

Abstract: “Purpose - To determine the influence of the development of clustering of the national business environment on the level of digital competitiveness. Design/Methodology/Approach  - The research was performed using the following methods: statistical analysis, correlation analysis and comparative analysis. Findings - We study the influence of the development of clustering of the national business environment on the level of digital competitiveness. It is revealed that the studied developed countries (Singapore, Denmark and Switzerland) demonstrate a high level of clustering of business, which is assessed through the use of the indicator ‘State of сluster development’, and a high level of digital competitiveness. The considered developing countries (Peru, Mexico and the Philippines) have medium values of the above variables. Only Peru was able to use a highly effective mechanism of clustering, which influenced the digitalisation of sectors of the economy, which have business clusters. We also describe the competitive advantages of the development of cluster entrepreneurial structures, which ensure their economic and market success. Originality/Value - The scientific novelty of the results obtained is due to the elaboration on the specifics of the influence of the cluster strategy of business integration on the level of national digital competitiveness.” [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHORS]

Evolutionary Stages and Paths of Innovation Networks in  Industrial Clusters: Case Study of Nanchong Silk-Spinning Garment Industry  Cluster (SSGIC)

By: M. He, M. Mei, H. Zhang. Journal of Knowledge Economy, DOI: 10.1007/s13132-023-01219-7, March 2023.

Abstract: “The article aims to explore the evolutionary stages and paths of an innovation network in industrial cluster through case studying of Nanchong SSGIC in China. After reviewing the structure of the innovation network in industrial cluster, the article considers that the industrial cluster innovation network could be divided into three stages (the initial formation stage, the aggregation development stage, and the coordinated development stage) and probes different evolutionary paths based on the perspective of network structure characteristics and hub enterprises. Through the case analysis of the Nanchong SSGIC, the results show that (1) the evolutionary stages which be divided by this article could be well used in the analysis of the development stage of the Nanchong SSGIC innovation network; (2) based on the structural characteristics of the innovation network and the development of hub enterprises in Nanchong SSGIC, moving forward according to the path E is a good choice; (3) the strong support of the governments is an important guarantee force for the evolution of the cluster innovation network; (4) and a clear understanding of the characteristics of the evolutionary stages and paths of the Nanchong SSGIC innovation network is important for guiding the development of the cluster. The findings provide a valuable reference for research in relevant fields, especially for the study of traditional industrial clusters in developing countries.” [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHORS]

Everything must change for us to remain the same. Resilience  in the face of disruptive innovations in industrial districts

By: F. X. Molina-Morales, V. De Marchi, L. Martínez-Cháfer, D. Valiente-Bordanova. European Planning Studies, DOI: 10.1080/09654313.2023.2183766, March 2023.

Abstract: “This paper explores to what extent and under what conditions resilience can be developed to cope with radical innovations in the industrial district context. Based on a comparative analysis of an Italian and Spanish cluster, this paper provides and in-depth examination of the transformation at the firm and cluster levels at the introduction, development, and diffusion of disruptive technologies, that enable clusters to cope with it and thrive. Our findings identify cluster attributes that support resilience and propose different measures of district resilience.” [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHORS]

The mechanisms underlying the emergence of innovation  ecosystems: the case of the AI ecosystem in Montreal

By: N. Sultana, E. Turkina, P. Cohendet. European Planning Studies, DOI: 10.1080/09654313.2023.2185502, March 2023.

Abstract: “Scholars have increasingly been using ecosystem as a concept within and beyond social science, but less is known about how ecosystems emerge. In this study, we investigate the context of the Artificial Intelligence (AI) ecosystem in Montreal to understand the mechanisms underlying the emergence of innovation ecosystems. Building on the work of Ostrom and the literature on innovation commons and conducting content analysis and network analyses, we find empirical evidence for a bottom-up approach in the emergence of the AI ecosystem in Montreal. We find that the main mechanism underlying the emergence of innovation ecosystems in Montreal is the articulation of a series of innovation commons by commoners. Our findings have implications for understanding the importance of emerging technologies and the digitalization of industries and for identifying regional innovation capabilities.” [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHORS]

Presenting the human resource skill  model in the development of the plastic industry cluster (plastic industry case  study)

By: S. M. Moniri, M. A. Abdalvand, K. Heidarzadeh. Public Management Researches, DOI: 10.22111/JMR.2023.43699.5872, February 2023.

Abstract: “The purpose of this research was to provide a skill model of human resources for the development of the plastic industrial cluster using a qualitative approach. The participants of the research were managers, professors, and business owners of plastic units in the country, and the sample size was 12 people after theoretical saturation and was selected purposefully. Data collection was done through semi-structured interviews and data analysis using the thematic method. The results showed that the skill indicators of manpower for the development of Iran's plastic industrial cluster include "knowledge skills", "communication skills", "impact skills", "planning skills" and "time management skills". Considering the contribution of the country's plastic industry cluster in creating jobs and developing small businesses, paying attention to the skills of human resources during the recruitment and employment of human resources as well as in the work process can lead to the development and improvement of plastic industry businesses.” [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHORS]