Creating shared value to enhance the  competitiveness of the agricultural cluster in Qalqilya governate 

By: I. M. Awad, S. M.Thwaib. Journal of Enterprising Communities: People and Places in the Global Economy, DOI: 10.1108/JEC-07-2023-0137, August 2024.

Abstract: “Purpose – The aim of this study is to provide an empirical investigation of the agricultural cluster’s economic, social and environmental values. By doing so, the authors aim to offer policymakers and decision-makers a strategic approach that promotes competitiveness and economic development

through shared value. Design/methodology/approach – The authors used AMOS software and applied structural equation modeling to achieve the study’s objectives. The study used this approach with path analysis through the Analysis of Moment Structures software. Findings – The empirical results indicate that creating shared value (CSV) can enhance the agricultural sector’s competitiveness through clustering. Rather than enhancing competitiveness directly, CSV plays a crucial role in improving the relationship between clustering and competitiveness. The authors also examined Porter’s diamond of competitiveness and evaluated factors for creating a shared value strategy, such as factor conditions, demand conditions, related and supporting industries, strategy, structure, rivalry and the role of government. Research  limitations/implications – This study focuses solely on the agricultural cluster in Qalqilya governorate and cannot be applied to other regions without additional research. Practical implications – Ensuring that stakeholders in the agricultural sector are kept informed about the activities of the cluster and the benefits of their participation is crucial. Empirical findings and conclusions have demonstrated that a shared value strategy can enhance the competitiveness of this sector. To achieve this, institutions involved in developing the agricultural cluster must increase their efficiency and capacity. Consulting experts in this field and drawing on experiences from other countries can aid in achieving this goal. Additionally, enhancing farmers’ productivity should be a priority, and the Ministry of Agriculture can provide training and workshops to improve their skills and expertise. Originality/value – This study suggests that Palestinian policymakers should establish effective partnerships between the government and the agricultural sector’s firms in Qalqilya to reinforce the cluster’s competitiveness. This strategy can stimulate competitiveness and promote economic and social development in Palestine.” [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHORS]

Research on the evaluation and enhancement strategies of  manufacturing clustered supply chain synergies

By: J. Gao, S. Liu, T. Guan, Y. Gao, T. Ma. Business Process Management, DOI: 10.1108/BPMJ-10-2023-0830, September 2024.

Abstract: “Purpose – This paper takes the manufacturing cluster supply chain as the research object and explores the evaluation and enhancement strategy of manufacturing cluster supply chain synergy. The purpose of this study was to (1) analyze the mechanism of manufacturing cluster supply chain synergy; (2) construct manufacturing cluster supply chain synergy evaluation model; (3) algorithm realization of manufacturing cluster supply chain synergy evaluation and (4) propose manufacturing cluster-based supply chain synergy enhancement strategy. Design/methodology/approach – Breaking through the limitations of traditional manufacturing cluster supply chain synergy evaluation, we take horizontal synergy and vertical synergy as coupled synergy subsystems, use the complex system synergy model to explore the horizontal synergy between core enterprises and cluster enterprises and the vertical synergy of supply chain enterprises and use the coupling coordination model to construct the coupled synergy evaluation model of manufacturing cluster supply chain, which is an innovation of the evaluation perspective of previous cluster supply chain synergy and also an enrichment and supplementation of the evaluation methodology. This is not only the innovation of the evaluation perspective but also the enrichment and supplementation of the evaluation method. Findings – Using Python software to conduct empirical analysis on the evaluation model, the research shows that the horizontal and vertical synergies of the manufacturing cluster supply chain interact with each other and jointly affect the coupling synergy. On this basis, targeted strategies are proposed to enhance the synergy of the manufacturing cluster supply chain. Research limitations/implications – This study takes manufacturers, suppliers and sellers in the three-level supply chain as the research object and does not consider the synergistic evaluation between distributors and consumers in the supply chain, which can be further explored in this direction in the future. Practical implications – Advanced manufacturing clusters, as the main force of manufacturing development, and the synergistic development of supply chain are one of the important driving forces for the high-quality development of China’s manufacturing industry. As a new type of network organization coupling industrial clusters and supply chains, cluster supply chain is conducive not only to improving the competitiveness of cluster supply chains but also to upgrading cluster supply chains through horizontal synergy within the cluster and vertical synergy in the supply chain. Social implications – Research can help accelerate the transformation and upgrading of clustered supply chains in the manufacturing industry, promote high-quality development of the manufacturing industry and accelerate the rise of the global value chain position of the manufacturing industry. Originality/value  – (1) Innovation of research perspective. Starting from two perspectives of horizontal synergy and vertical synergy, we take a core enterprise in the cluster supply chain as the starting point, horizontally explore the main enterprises of the cluster as the research object of horizontal synergy, vertically explore the upstream and downstream enterprises of the supply chain as the research object of vertical synergy and explore the coupling synergy of cluster supply chain as two subsystems, which provides new perspectives of evaluation of the degree of synergy and synergy evaluation. (2) Innovation of research content. Nine manufacturing clusters are selected as research samples, and through data collection and model analysis, it is verified that the evaluation model and implementation algorithm designed in this paper have strong practicability, which not only provides methodological reference for the evaluation of manufacturing cluster type supply chain synergy but also reduces the loss caused by the instability of clusters and supply chains and then provides a theoretical basis for improving the overall performance of cluster-type supply chains.” [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHORS]

Spatial concentration of the ICT sector in the digital age  in Central and Eastern Europe

By: Z. Vas, I. Szakálné Kanó, G. Vida. European Planning Studies, DOI: 10.1080/09654313.2024.2396485, September 2024.

Abstract: “As new digital technologies become widespread, it is crucial to understand the role of spatiality and agglomeration economies in the digital age, especially in the ICT sector. The ICT sector, with its innovative strength and the ability to complement various sectors, drives digitalization and balanced economic development. Recognizing the importance of digitalization and the ICT sector for economic development, especially in the catching-up regions of Central and Eastern Europe, this study aims at exploring the role and the spatiality of the ICT sector in the urban and rural areas of the Visegrad countries and Romania. The analysis focuses on the spatial concentration of the ICT sector and the specialization of the regions on the NUTS 3 level, distinguishing capital, intermediate metropolitan, intermediate non-metropolitan and rural areas, utilizing data on employed persons in the period 2010–2020. Findings reveal the dynamic growth and spatial concentration of the ICT sector despite the ongoing process of digitalization, particularly in capital regions, alongside the increasing significance of modern business services in agglomeration economies. Additionally, the research proves the presence of division of labour among different types of regions, reveals capital and rural regions as highly specialized regions and points to the need for place-sensitive development policy.” [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHORS]

Analysis Of Strategies for  Strengthening the Online Game Industry Using an Industrial Cluster Approach

By: L. Suciasih, S. Santoso. Indonesian Journal of Business Analytics, DOI: 10.55927/ijba.v4i4.10833, August 2024.

Abstract: “Based on data, as one of the creative economy sectors, the game industry has much potential to boost the Indonesian economy. The total market value of the games industry in Indonesia is US$ 1.92 billion or 25 trillion rupiah. However, this qualitative research uses interview methods with key informants, observation, and literature study, with purposive sampling as a sampling technique. The results show that the core industry value chain of the game industry cluster consists of Game Developers and Game Publishers and is supported by Supply industries (hardware providers, HR, digital content, and financial services) and supporting industries (marketing, logistics, law, and networks). There are related institutions/institutions such as the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy, the Coordinating Ministry for Maritime and Investment Affairs, the Ministry of Communications and Informatics, the Ministry of Education and Culture, and the Indonesian Game Association. This industry is also related to animation, music, e-sports and tourism. This value chain ends with buyers. This research recommends concrete steps for relevant agencies to enhance the gaming industry ecosystem through human resource development, increasing access to financing, promotion and providing technological infrastructure. Collaboration across industries is expected to increase the global competitiveness and contribute significantly to the national creative economy.” [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHORS]

Research on Vertical Collaborative  Innovation Mode Selection and Sustainability Enhancement of Industrial Cluster  ‘Chain Master’

By: X. Zhang, X. Zhang, D. Yang, R. Guo, J. Zhao. Polish Journal of Environmental Studies, DOI: 10.15244/pjoes/188061, August 2024.

Abstract: “In this study, we use complete information game theory to present a three-stage dynamic game model that illustrates the collaborative behavior of cluster firms in improving product quality through innovation under the condition of information symmetry. We analyze the impact of different supply chain collaboration scenarios between upstream manufacturers and downstream distributors of cluster firms on the profit of each firm. Our findings suggest that firms prioritize collaboration scenarios influenced by the spillover benefits of inter-firm collaboration, the innovation level of the industry, and consumer demand for quality improvement. In particular, manufacturers have greater incentives to innovate in quality when the technology level of cluster firms is high. Additionally, manufacturers are more likely to collaborate with downstream firms on quality innovation when the spillover benefits between firms are significant. Lastly, the benefits of collaborative innovation are positively related to the R&D investment level in high-tech industries. By incorporating green development principles into collaborative innovation strategies, cluster companies can not only improve product quality, but also promote environmental sustainability and green development.” [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHORS]

Evolution of regional collaborative innovation network by  the ‘two-wheel drive’ of external proximity and endogenous gravity

By: N. Shen, X. Shang, W. Guo, G. Zhang. Technology Analysis & Strategic Management, DOI: 10.1080/09537325.2024.2401995, September 2024.

Abstract: “Collaborative innovation is the key support for promoting high-quality regional development. Taking Guangdong, Fujian and Zhejiang coastal city clusters as an example, this paper analyzes the evolution mechanism of collaborative innovation network based on the ‘two-wheel drive’ perspective of external proximity and endogenous gravity. The results show that the difference of resource control ability among nodes in the network is decreasing, and the inverted ‘V’ structure with Xiamen and Putian as the main apex has evolved into a more robust ‘dual core’ (Fuzhou-Xiamen) radiation-type spatial structure. In addition, the evolution of regional collaborative innovation network is driven by ‘two wheels’. In external proximity, institutional proximity plays the strongest role in promoting, followed by geographical proximity, and the promoting role of technological proximity is gradually weakened. In the endogenous gravity, the influence of investment in science and education is strengthening, while the influence of the administrative level is declining.” [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHORS]

The role of network structure and complexity for green  inventions

By: F. Capone, N. Innocenti, S. Olivia, L. Lazzeretti. Regional Studies, DOI: 10.1080/00343404.2024.2384407, August 2024.

Abstract: “Several studies underline that the production of green inventions might require different competences and resources. Yet, as far as we are aware, few studies assess the role of networks for green inventions considering the presence of a diversified set of competences at the local level. This study investigates the differentiated role of local network structure and complexity in producing green and non-green inventions in Italy. Results underscore that the role of the local intra-province network, rather than exhibiting a differentiated effect for green and non-green inventions, yielded similar (positive) outcomes. Besides, external inter-province collaborations and economic complexity, on the other hand, demonstrated divergent effects, with the former showing a stronger influence on green inventions and the latter serving as a significant driver exclusively for the production of green innovations.” [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHORS]

Industrial policy, green challenges, and international business

By: G. R. G. Benito, K. E. Meyer. Journal of International Business Studies, DOI: 10.1057/s41267-024-00722-6, September 2024.

Abstract: “Nation-states are designing their industrial policies increasingly to not only enhance national competitiveness, but also to simultaneously address “Green Challenges”, concerns about the natural environment that require concerted action among different actors in society, including domestic and foreign multinational enterprises (MNEs). This blending of global and national policy objectives is leading to a new wave of industrial policies in advanced economies that are informed by scholarly discourses in evolutionary economics, innovation systems, and 'wicked problems'. We discuss the implications of these sustainability-oriented industrial policies for MNEs. They operate in increasingly diverse local ecosystems shaped by local actors and local policies as we illustrate for two such ecosystems in Nordic countries: circular economy and energy transition. Many MNEs face a tension between capabilities they could use to help nations achieve their sustainability goals and incentives to protect existing rents and business models. They may thus engage pro-actively or reactively in both market and nonmarket realms in each country in which they operate. We discuss the interactions between MNEs, governments, and other actors in host countries pursuing both sustainability and competitiveness objectives, and outline how ensuing tensions create new challenges and opportunities for international business scholarship.” [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHORS]