Cross-Border E-Commerce Trade and  Industrial Clusters: Evidence from China

By: C. Wang, T. Liu, J. Wang, D. Li, D. Wen, P. Ziomkovskaya, Y. Zhao. Sustainability, DOI: 10.3390/su14063576, March 2022.

Abstract: “Combining the theories of cross-border e-commerce trade, industrial cluster management, coordinated development, and sustainable development, this paper explores the problem of the coordinated development path of China’s cross-border e-commerce trade and industrial clusters. The research purpose of this paper is to propose relevant suggestions to promote the sustainable coordinated development of cross-border e-commerce trade and industrial clusters by revealing the inherent scientific laws of the sustainable coordinated development of them. By using a literature survey method, structural equation method, and system analysis method, on the basis of constructing

a model for the coordinated development of cross-border e-commerce trade and industrial clusters, this paper conducts in-depth empirical analysis combined with relevant research data and draws research conclusions. The research conclusions of this paper are as follows: (1) This paper verifies all the research hypotheses proposed. All the research hypotheses proposed in this paper are supported

by valid data and have passed the empirical test. (2) Using data to scientifically prove that there is an obvious positive correlation between cross-border e-commerce trade and industrial clusters. (3) There is an obvious positive interaction between the main components of cross-border e-commerce trade and the main components of industrial clusters. Moreover, under the influence of the external environment, the two component systems can also promote the sustainable coordinated development of cross-border e-commerce trade and the sustainability of industrial clusters. (4) This paper puts forward countermeasures and suggestions to promote the sustainable coordinated development of cross-border e-commerce trade and industrial clusters.” [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHORS]

Heterogeneous firms and cluster  externalities: how asymmetric effects at the firm level affect cluster  productivity

By: C. W. Haasnoot, A. de Vaal. Research Policy, DOI: 10.1016/j.respol.2022.104529, March 2022.

Abstract: “When firms are heterogeneous, externalities within clusters can affect firms asymmetrically. These asymmetries at the firm level lead to a productivity effect at the cluster level that has been overlooked thus far. We develop a heterogeneous firm model where firms with different productivity levels decide how much to invest in market survival. With this model, we find a differentiation between high-productivity firms investing in market survival and low-productivity firms not investing in market survival. Cluster externalities alter the optimal market survival investment of firms, which in turn affects both cluster composition and cluster-level outcomes. By focusing on cluster productivity and assuming that cluster externalities take the form of knowledge spillovers, we find that the effect on the cluster depends on the particular type of knowledge spillovers. Using modelling outcomes and an extensive numerical simulation, we show that knowledge spillovers that reduce the cost of investment benefit investing, high-productivity firms and increase cluster productivity. By contrast, knowledge spillovers that imply that non-investing, low-productivity firms can free ride on the efforts of investing firms tend to reduce cluster productivity. We discuss ramifications for research on clusters and cluster policy, highlighting the importance of industry and knowledge spillover characteristics.” [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHORS]

Cognitive proximity,  technological regime and knowledge accumulation: an agent-based model of  interfirm knowledge exchange

By J. Wu, Y. Yuan, B. Guo. Asian Journal of Technology Innovation, DOI: 10.1080/19761597.2022.2060274, April 2022.

Abstract: “Innovations in industrial clusters are highly dependent on a combination of internal and external knowledge among cluster firms with optimal levels of cognitive proximity. Meanwhile, all innovation activities in a cluster are affected by technological regime within that cluster, which is captured in terms of knowledge cumulativeness and knowledge distribution in this paper. Based on knowledge-based theory, this study develops an agent-based model of interfirm knowledge exchange, exploring the interplay of cognitive proximity and technological regime on a cluster’s knowledge accumulation. The results corroborate that cognitive proximity and cumulativeness condition jointly exert a significant inverted ‘U’-shaped effect on a cluster’s knowledge accumulation. The strength and shape of this effect are different for clusters with low versus high levels of cognitive proximity. Furthermore, the study extends the literature on technological regime by distinguishing the effects between knowledge cumulativeness and knowledge distribution, and the results reveal that large firm clusters (/SME clusters) perform best under a high (/low) level of knowledge cumulativeness. By simulating the sequential process of innovation dynamics, the study deepens understanding of mechanism behind how proximity affects innovation within clusters, thereby contributing to disentangling the interrelationships between cognitive proximity and technological regime.” [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHORS]

Innovator or collaborator? A  cognitive network perspective to vision formation

By: F. P. Zasa, R. Verganti, P. Bellis. European Journal of Innovation Management, DOI: 10.1108/EJIM-05-2021-0237, March 2022.

Abstract: “Purpose – Having a shared vision is crucial for innovation. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of individual propensity to collaborate and innovate on the development of a shared vision. Design/methodology/approach – The authors build a network in which each node represents the vision of one individual and link the network structure to individual propensity of collaboration and innovativeness. During organizational workshops in four multinational organizations, the authors collected individual visions in the form of images as well as text describing the approach to innovation from 85 employees. Findings – The study maps individual visions for innovation as a cognitive network. The authors find that individual propensity to innovate or collaborate is related to different network centrality. Innovators, individuals who see innovation as an opportunity to change and grow, are located at the center of the cognitive network. Collaborators, who see innovation as an opportunity to collaborate, have a higher closeness centrality inside a cluster.

Research limitations/implications – This paper analyses visions as a network linking recent research in psychology with the managerial longing for a more thorough investigation of group cognition. The study contributes to literature on shared vision creation, suggesting the role which innovators and collaborators can occupy in the process. Originality/value – This paper proposes how an approach based on a cognitive network can inform innovation management. The findings suggest that visions of innovators summarize the visions of a group, helping the development of an overall shared vision. Collaborators on the other hand are representative of specific clusters and can help developing radical visions.” [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHORS]

The role of regions in global value chains: an analysis for  the European Union

By: L. Bolea, R. Duarte, G. J. D. Hewings, S. Jiménez, J. Sánchez-Choliz. Regional Science, DOI: 10.1111/pirs.12674, April 2022.

Abstract: “While considerable attention has been directed to the national-level impacts of global value chains, far less attention has been focused on the way in which global production fragmentation has affected regional economies. Using some measures derived from a multiregional, multisectoral input–output model, this paper analyzes the position and share of EU regions in Global Value Chains (GVC). The spatial determinants of these two dimensions are explored using spatial econometric methods to capture the influence of neighboring regions on these outcomes. Empirically, the focus is on a set of NUTS2 European regions for the most recent year (2010) of the EUREGIO database. Our results confirm the hypothesis of spatial dependence between regions conditioning the engagement and position GVCs, suggesting that global production processes are influenced by regional and local factors. In particular, spatial spillover effects play a significant role conditioned by both geographical proximity and similarity of production structures. The results show that sharing certain characteristics, some of them associated to their degree of proximity and the neighbouring situation of regions condition their specialization, participation and positioning in GVC, generating some important insights informative for the formulation of regional development policies.” [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHORS]

The spatial impact of  entrepreneurial zones: firm, city and inter-city evidence

By: N. Stojcic, K. Pylak, D. J. Alibegovic. Regional Studies, DOI: 10.1080/00343404.2022.2046264, April 2022.

Abstract: “We investigate the impact of a decade-long, large public entrepreneurial infrastructure investment programme in an emerging European economy. Using a unique data set, we examine the short-run firm city and inter-city effects of entrepreneurial zones (EZs). EZs have a positive impact on business investment, sales and especially the export revenues of firms located within them. The positive economic effects of EZs are limited to host and neighbouring towns and cities, decrease with distance, and eventually become negative. This points to the localized nature of the effects of EZs and their potential for spatial redistribution and clustering of economic activity.” [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHORS]

Research on Innovation Ecosystem of Dairy Industry Cluster  Based on Machine Learning and Improved Neural Network

By: Y. Hui, Y. Jiao, C. Cui, K. Ma. Computational Intelligence and Neuroscience, DOI: 10.1155/2022/4509575, April 2022.

Abstract: “With the rapid development of global economy, the industrial cluster has become the new trend of world economic development. So far, the industrial cluster mode with space as the main division has been formed. The cooperation of industrial clusters is dynamic. The industries in the cluster cooperate with each other for mutual benefit and win-win, occupying a place in the fierce market competition. In addition, the industrial cluster is also conducive to strengthen the international economic division of labor and points out the direction of regional industrial transfer. China is now in a critical period of economic development; the industrial cluster plays an important role in China's industrial transformation and economic development. At present, the most common regional development mode in China is industrial cluster. The emergence of industrial cluster accelerates the development of industrial regional economy and the balance of industrial layout. Industrial clusters occupy a key position in China's economic industry chain, and the development and change in industrial clusters will directly affect the development of the entire industrial chain. This study first simulates the evolution path of industrial cluster and then establishes the relevant data model. Finally, through repast simulation, it puts forward conclusions and suggestions according to the verification results. The construction of dynamic model can realize the simulation of industrial cluster theory. According to the simulation results, we can find that the ecosystem in different stages will produce different characteristics; the formation and evolution of industrial clusters are actually the epitome of market development. In this process, the government guidance and market regulation are needed to accelerate the formation of industrial cluster ecosystem and increase the scale of industrial cluster.” [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHORS]

Circular cities: planning for circular development in  European cities

By: J. Williams. European Planning Studies, DOI: 10.1080/09654313.2022.2060707, April 2022.

Abstract: “Circular development could produce more resource efficient, ecologically regenerative and resilient cities. This development pathway offers many ecological, social and economic benefits. However, there are also many challenges to implementation, not least a heavy reliance on the market to transform urban systems of provision. A regulatory and policy framework is essential for a circular transformation, until circular activities become competitive within existing markets. Spatial and land-use planning can offer this framework. This paper provides insight into the circular development process. It discusses the role of planning in delivering circular development, using examples from four European cities. It identifies the tools for delivery and discusses the inherent limitations of using planning tools to deliver a circular transformation.” [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]