Radical innovation in Marshallian industrial districts. Issue 10 (3rd October 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hervás-Oliver, Jose-Luis; Albors-Garrigos, Jose; Estelles-Miguel, Sofia; Boronat-Moll, Carles
• Is Part Of: Regional studies. Volume 52:Issue 10(2018)
• Page Start: 1388
• Page End: 1397
• Publication Date: 2018-10-03
• Subjects: radical innovation -- industrial districts -- networks -- ceramic tile industry -- inkjet; O3 -- R1; Regional planning -- Periodicals; Regional planning -- Great Britain -- Periodicals; 307.14
• DOI: 10.1080/00343404.2017.1390311
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0034-3404

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Radical innovation is under-researched in the geography of innovation. In this paper, the focus is on understanding how radical innovations occur in Marshallian industrial districts (MIDs), a phenomenon mostly overlooked. Using an exploratory and in-depth longitudinal case study methodology in two European MIDs, this paper analyzes radical innovation in MIDs and finds that the introduction of technology-distant knowledge and new firms from different (to the focal) industries are both necessary mechanisms, but not sufficient. Access to leading incumbents' networks, based on social norms, becomes a crucial social factor necessary for radical innovation to occur in MIDs.