The Nature and Geography of Knowledge Sourcing in a Developing Region: the Case of Engineering-Based Cluster

Safora Allahy (), Reza Naghizadeh (), Saeed Shavvalpour (), Joao Ferreira and Naser Bagheri Moghaddam ()
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Safora Allahy: Iran University of Science and Technology
Reza Naghizadeh: National Research Institute for Science Policy
Saeed Shavvalpour: Iran University of Science and Technology
Naser Bagheri Moghaddam: National Research Institute for Science Policy

Journal of the Knowledge Economy, 2022, vol. 13, issue 4, No 20, 3076-3102

Abstract: Abstract This study contributes to understanding the nature and geography of multiple knowledge sourcing channels in an engineering-based cluster in a developing economy context. The aim is to investigate how, with whom, and across what distances firms source knowledge. The study applies social network analyses and descriptive statistics to investigate the aim of the paper. The empirical analysis is based on structured interviews, showing that firms rely heavily on the synthetic knowledge base. The collaboration network has the highest density at the cluster level, followed by monitoring at the international level. Each knowledge sourcing mechanism entails a different spatial reach. Also, the positions of knowledge sources in the networks are different. Most valuable knowledge linkages are at the regional level, while linkages have almost a small share at the national level. Among the linkages of firms with knowledge sources, the largest number of ties is related to interactions with the other firms at the international level and customers within the region. Some policy implications for fine-tuned regional innovation are explored.

Keywords: Local knowledge networks; Knowledge sourcing; Social network analysis; Developing economies; Iran (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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DOI: 10.1007/s13132-021-00829-3

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