Generation and Diffusion of Innovations in a District Innovation System: The Case of Ink-Jet Printing

Abstract

This paper provides an in-depth case study of the ink-jet printing (IJP) technology that emerged from the ceramic industry in a Spanish region (Castellon) in the first decade of 2000. We propose an analytical framework that combines the theoretical perspectives of Industrial Districts and Innovation Systems, and exploit a qualitative methodology that includes information from patent and scientific article databases and 21 in-depth interviews. Our results show that IJP is a major innovation that breaks with the tradition of machinery innovations in this industry in Spain. Micro-level evidences show the complex external and internal relationships in the sharing of knowledge and innovation process, being the role of internal ties, trust, secrecy and strong in-house R&D strategies determinants of the IJP innovation.

Mapping paradigm shifts in the geography of innovation

“…This implies that the innovation system is a broader term, examining the relationship between a wide array of actors and districts, not only the links and interactions between small local companies. The main assumption of innovation systems is that external and internal linkages and networks between actors matter to innovation, which is produced also by conscious networking besides learning by doing, using or interacting (Reig-Otero et al, 2014). Bellandi-Propris (2015) describes three versions or stages of industrial district models arguing that "each generation of industrial districts have emerged and grown in correspondence with specific technological, institutional and market conditions".…”

Different Paths to Achieve High Technological Innovation in Clustered Firms: An Analysis of the Spanish Ceramic Tile Industry

“…Despite this major dominant trend, previous research offers some cases that may be considered as counterexamples as they show how disruptive technologies have been successfully introduced in clusters thanks to disruptive exploration and exploitation activities (i.e., the work by the authors of [43]). Besides, the ability of clusters to generate or adapt disruptive innovations has been recently addressed by different authors even though in a marginal way [5,[44][45][46].…”

“…In a territorial context, such as an industrial cluster, disruptive innovations have been studied and revised by authors like Molina-Morales et al [45], Hervás-Oliver et al [63], or Reig-Otero et al [46], who stressed the implications from a cluster perspective of the new technology adoption.…”

“…One of the most relevant events in the cluster, in relation to its technological development, is the introduction of digital inkjet printing at the beginning of the 21st century. This fact supposes a radical change in the process of decoration of the ceramic pieces and has been the object of study for several authors, such as Albors-Garrigos and Hervás-Oliver [70], Molina-Morales et al [45], and Reig-Otero et al [46]. One of the most important effects of the introduction of this new technology, thanks to the contribution of a visionary agent, is the alteration of the value chain of the ceramic tile business both locally and globally.…”

Disruptive technology adoption, particularities of clustered firms

“…Most of the further researches have been focused on the weakness of the strong ties in clusters (Grabher 1993), the reduced capacity to create breakthrough innovation (Chiarvesio et al 2010) or how clusters are able to avoid decline through disruption (Østergaard and Park 2015). However, the above argumentation is somehow controversial, since, at least some counterexamples refute these arguments describing cases of industrial clusters accessing to new opportunities (Corò et al 1998;Reig-Otero et al 2014;Molina-Morales et al 2017).…”