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.

Factors influencing the entry of  logistics service providers (LSPs) into the logistics clusters: a case study of  Casablanca city

By: A. E. El Moussaoui. Management & Sustainability: An Arab Review, DOI: 10.1108/MSAR-06-2024-0043, November 2024.

Abstract: “Purpose - In recent years, the concept of logistics cluster has attracted the attention of several researchers and practitioners. It is an agglomeration of different types of companies and operations: notably, those providing logistics services, such as supply chain organization, storage and distribution. The paper focuses on this concept by examining the factors influencing logistics service providers (LSPs) to enter the logistics clusters. Design/methodology/approach - An exploratory qualitative study based on semi-structured interviews was conducted. Regarding the sample size, the author interviewed 31 professionals belonging to logistics clusters located in the Moroccan economic metropolis: Casablanca. Findings - The results show that the cost reduction, the reputation of the cluster, the learning from other LSP, the communal services, the geographical proximity, and the role of public authorities are the main factors impacting the entry of LSPs into these clusters. Practical  implications - The findings of this study provide several practical insights for LSPs, government authorities, and cluster managers. For LSPs, understanding the key factors influencing their entry into logistics clusters—such as cost reduction, proximity and the role of public authorities—enables them to make strategic decisions that optimize their operations and enhance competitiveness. For cluster managers, the study highlights the importance of maintaining a strong cluster reputation and fostering collaboration between LSPs to attract new entrants. Finally, public authorities can leverage the insights to design policies that incentivize LSPs to join clusters by providing infrastructure, financial support and governance structures that align with industry needs. Originality/value - This theme has never been investigated. Therefore, this research expands the literature review and tries to examine this gap of literature by studying the factors that can affect the adhesion of LSPs to these clusters.” [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unveiling exogenous gaps enabling a cluster organization’s  internationalization process

By: A. Osarenkhoe, D. Fjellström, M. B. Komunda. Central European Management Journall, DOI: 10.1108/CEMJ-07-2023-0319, December 2024.

Abstract: “Purpose - We examined the internationalization process of business promotion organizations. We focused on the key stages and strategies and how the networks formed during this process can support their partners, particularly SMEs, in facilitating international expansion. Design/methodology/approach  - The theoretical lens: We combined the experiential learning-commitment interplay of the Uppsala model with a similar mechanism focused on business network relationships. A qualitative methodology: We used it to explore the question and the various forms of embeddedness within networks, offering an in-depth examination, particularly in the challenging natural settings of a cluster organization in geographic information systems (GIS). Findings - We found that the cluster organization’s internationalization began regionally, forging connections with clusters in the Nordic and Baltic countries and Europe. Over time, the cluster recognized the importance of innovation leadership, leading to the integration of its core competencies with complementary technologies from other global geospatial technology hubs. Research  limitations/implications - The study fills research gaps by examining global linkages between regional clusters and international partners, focusing on external gaps. We explored how clusters can leverage global innovation systems and networks for matchmaking, capitalization and investment. Moreover, we addressed the need for more research on cross-cluster gaps and barriers to global market interaction. By providing insights into expanding beyond local interactions, the study enhances understanding of how clusters can increase the global reach and competitiveness of firms within them. Originality/value - The platform established during the internationalization process was crucial, as SMEs within clusters often lack the resources, time and expertise to enter international markets alone. This platform helps SMEs overcome barriers such as size, resources and unfamiliarity with foreign markets.” [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHORS]

New industrial path development in “less glamorized  regions”: actors, agencies, and rural opportunities

By: D. Doloreux, C. De Fuentes, J. Ara Peerally, S. Quilley. Journal of Economic Geography, DOI: 10.3390/su16219430, December 2024.

Abstract: “This article analyses the case of the wine industry in rural Nova Scotia (Canada) and addresses the following question: what sparks a new wine industry path in rural regions that lack supportive preconditions and local assets? We examine this from the perspective of different actors and their agencies when creating the conditions and structures for shaping new path development. Our findings provide a novel, empirically based understanding of individual and system-level agency and a nuanced account of new industrial path development in rural regions, which is often missing in contemporary debates.” [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHORS]

What type of emerging green path is  the Nordic battery industry: importation or new creation? 

By: E. Okonkwo. European Planning Studies, DOI: 10.1080/09654313.2024.2437261, December 2024.

Abstract: “The battery industry is an emerging green path; nonetheless, ascertaining the variety of emergence, i.e. whether the industry is a new creation or an imported path, requires more insight. This paper relies on Grillitsch and Asheim's typologies of green paths, particularly leveraging the features of path emergence, e.g. non-local firms, un-relatedness, newness, and resources, as a guide for explaining where the industry belongs. By adopting the Nordic battery industry as the empirical context, the paper suggests that the industry combines the features of both varieties based on unique regional conditions. Hence, the path import-creation concept is proposed to describe emerging green industries that exhibit both features. Actors at multilevel can leverage the study to enhance their understanding of the variety of green paths being pursued in the region. Also, the study advances the literature on regional industrial restructuring via new insight for situating the industry within the existing path typologies.” [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cluster analysis in the  aluminium industry with k-means method: an application for Bahrain

By: H. al Qahtani, J. P. Sankar. Cogent Business & Management, DOI: 10.1080/23311975.2024.2361475, December 2024.

Abstract: “This study examines the utilization of the K-means clustering method to analyze Bahrain's aluminum industry. In addition, this study emphasizes the importance of clustering in understanding productivity, quality, and competitiveness within the sector. Data collection involved rigorous cleaning of diverse sources to ensure accuracy. By employing the K-means algorithm, this study successfully identified distinct clusters within the dataset, offering insights into industry dynamics. In addition, it proposes a roadmap for cluster development, providing actionable recommendations for stakeholders to enhance competitiveness and sustainability. Overall, this research advances knowledge of clustering techniques and informs strategic decision-making in Bahrain's aluminum industry.” [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHORS]

Cross-industry innovation for sustainable repositioning  through cluster collaboration 

By: K. H. Faeroevikm, N. Maehle. Economics of innovation and new technology, DOI: 10.1080/10438599.2024.2427837, November 2024.

Abstract: “Recent literature on sustainable transitions seeks to bridge macro - and micro-level dynamics; this study examines how agents at different levels interact, and what implications these lower-level dynamics have on sustainable repositioning. A new normal characterized by frequent industry crises, coupled with green policy initiatives, creates push and pull opportunities for sustainable repositioning; thus, incumbent firms must continuously adjust to changing conditions. Cross-industry innovation (CII) has emerged as a favorable option for sustaining competitiveness. To illustrate this development, this study provides insights into how firms from the oil and gas industry attempt CII in the aquaculture industry based on cluster-to-cluster collaboration and facilitation. Our findings indicate a form of tandem development for both industry clusters and incumbent firms, with the cluster responding to bottom-up changes in its firms. Moreover, cluster collaboration lowers initial CII obstacles in terms of knowledge and entry points and offers a gateway for incumbent firms looking to enter different industries. This facilitates an outbound and coupled CII that emerges to maintain a knowledge continuum for incumbent actors within sustainable repositioning. On a larger scale, these cluster initiatives can act as agents for stepwise sustainability transitions and further evolve into a cross-industry cluster.” [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHORS]