Industry clusters as a location for technology transfer and innovation: the case of opto-electronics

Authors: Hendry, C.; Brown, J.; Ganter, H.D.; Hilland, S.

Source: Industry and Higher Education, Volume 15, Number 1, 1 February 2001 , pp. 33-41(9)

Buy & download fulltext article:

Price: $28.00 plus tax (Refund Policy)

Abstract:

The paper draws on a series of case studies of innovation in optoelectronics firms in Wales and the German state of Thuringia, in order to highlight the role of industry clusters in technology transfer and innovation. It begins by analysing relevant features of the industry at the national and regional levels, with the influence of policy on the development of the sector. It then uses data from fourteen cases to show how the focus of innovation and the needs of firms differ in the two regions. From this, a general model is constructed, to show how a localized cluster can contribute to innovation in the younger firm, while the more 'mature innovator' looks further afield. However, at a still later stage, the mature innovator may also benefit from the transfer of knowledge in a cluster, as it helps solve the problem of absorbing 'tacit knowledge' from 'distributed R&D'.

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5367/000000001101295461

Publication date: 2001-02-01

More about this publication?

Industry and Higher Education, published six times a year, is dedicated to all aspects of the relationship and interaction between higher education institutions and business and industry. With a strong emphasis on practical experience, this peer-reviewed journal covers strategic, organizational, economic, political, legal, and social issues relating to the developments in education-industry collaboration. Topics such as knowledge transfer, regional development and entrepreneurship education are key concerns. For more details, see www.ippublishing.com.
Subscribe to this Title
ingentaconnect is not responsible for the content or availability of external websites