Beyond Apprenticeship: Knowledge Brokers and Sustainability of Apprentice-Based Clusters

Abstract

Knowledge learning and diffusion have long been discussed in the literature on the dynamics of industrial clusters, but recent literature provides little evidence for how different actors serve as knowledge brokers in the upgrading process of apprentice-based clusters, and does not dynamically consider how to preserve the sustainability of these clusters. This paper uses empirical evidence from an antique furniture manufacturing cluster in Xianyou, Fujian Province, in southeastern China, to examine the growth trajectory of the knowledge learning system of an antique furniture manufacturing cluster. It appears that the apprentice-based learning system is crucial during early stages of the cluster evolution, but later becomes complemented and relatively substituted by the role of both local governments and focal outsiders. This finding addresses the context of economic transformation and provides empirical insights into knowledge acquisition in apprentice-based clusters to question the rationality based on European and North American cases, and to provide a broader perspective for policy makers to trigger and sustain the development of apprentice-based clusters.

Contingent proletarianization of creative labor: Deskilling in the Xianyou classical furniture cluster

“…While the two types of firms previously discussed are more visible, owing to their size and prestige, the most common are small firms in the low value-added niche (Zhu, Chen and Dai, 2016). Between the two types of these small firms, mechanical processors perform most simple process with the machine as we explained earlier so there is no need for further explanation why they do not contribute to reproduction of skills.…”

“…They are often financed by small local investors (interview, December 30th, 2013). Because of limited access to capital, they depend on a flexible inter-firm production network, both vertically and horizontally (Zhu, Chen and Dai, 2016). In addition to flexible inter-firm relations, these firms have flexible labor relations which blurs the boundary between TWs and adapters.…”

An Approach to Generating Reference Information for Technology Evaluation

“…nor S ij = S ij/ ∑ j S ij (5) where IS ij and ES ij denote the similarity between firms i and j in terms of internal structure and external structure, respectively. IS ij is defined using the Bray-Curtis dissimilarity between vectors representing the size of firms i and j, where x indicates the individual element of the vectors.…”

“…As the transition to the knowledge-based economy accelerates, intangible assets represented by technology, knowledge, and information are recognized as key sources for creating sustainable competitive advantages for the firms [1][2][3][4]. Obviously, in the knowledge-based economy, knowledge rather than traditional production factors plays a key role in sustaining the competitive advantages [5]. Capabilities that allow firms to identify, access, and leverage new knowledge can ensure that the competencies that are needed for firms' innovation are secured [6].…”

Going Public and Industrial Upgrading of Traditional Clusters in Developing Countries: Rethinking the Dynamics of the ‘Jinjiang Model’ in China

“…In addition, firms, especially the lead firms in clusters, also often learn from external and even international strategic partners. They act as gatekeepers or knowledge brokers [53] for local clusters to link with external even global knowledge sources and get access to heterogeneous knowledge, which drives the growth and innovation of other firms inside the clusters through local buzz. Evidence shows that once one firm has successfully implemented a listing plan, information of capital markets and knowledge of how to access to external capital spreads quickly [54].…”