The ‘Voice’ Approach of Trade Associations: Support for SMEs Accessing a Research Institute

Hiro Izushi
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Hiro Izushi: Centre for Local Economic Development, Coventry Business School, Coventry University, Priory Street, Coventry CV1 5FB, England

Environment and Planning C, 2002, vol. 20, issue 3, 439-454

Abstract: Access to external sources of technical knowledge is one of the keys to staying innovative for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The literature suggests that SMEs with a weak internal R&D capacity do not make much use of institutional sources like research institutes and universities. In this paper I investigate how trade associations can induce member SMEs to use a research institute. The case of a public research institute and SMEs in the textile industry in Kyoto, Japan is examined. Evidence from the case suggests that trade associations facilitate the use of the institute by expressing a collective ‘voice’ to the management of the institute. The effect is evident among active members in the use of services involving a large information gap as to their benefits. I also consider a shortcoming of the collective approach and suggest some measures to be taken on the part of research institutes.

Date: 2002
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:sae:envirc:v:20:y:2002:i:3:p:439-454

DOI: 10.1068/c16m

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