Prosecco has another story to tell: the coexistence of multiple knowledge networks in the same value chain

Abstract

Purpose This paper aims to analyze how knowledge networks can be configured within a value chain and provide evidence of the coexistence of multiple knowledge networks in the same value chain. Design/methodology/approach The empirical setting is the Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG wine cluster in the Veneto region of Northeast Italy. Data was collected through the administration by telephone of a semi-structured questionnaire to 37 oenologists, sales managers, production managers and owners of bottling companies in the district. The authors used social network analysis tools to map knowledge networks in the Prosecco cluster. Findings The results shed light on the importance of singling out knowledge networks in clusters at the value chain level to aid practitioners and researchers in this field. In fact, this research proves the existence of knowledge networks specificities related to the various phases of the production process. Research limitations/implications This study has certain limitations. The most relevant is connected to the choice to limit the analysis to a specific cluster. Future research might extend this type of analysis to multiple clusters in different locations. Practical implications The authors explain that in the cluster they studied, internationalization, as a common objective, might be made easier if firms could establish a more developed sales knowledge network. Social implications The relational approach to value chain enables disentangling specific roles of each actors. The social dimension of the value chain is taken in consideration. Originality/value The authors show that a firm operating in the wine industry can have different knowledge networks in the same value chain. This work adds to previous literature on knowledge networks in clusters by shedding light on an important, but still understudied aspect in the cluster functioning. Knowledge diffusion in clusters is not only uneven but is also value chain stage specific. By intersecting literature on knowledge networks, value chain and cluster research, the authors proposed a new perspective of analysis of the wine industry.

The Effect of Global and National Value Chains on Environmental Innovation and Research and Development: An Analysis of Ibovespa Companies

“…In the value chain, knowledge can be shared in several ways, and the degree of this knowledge obtained between organizations depends on the position of the actors in the respective network (Hoffmann et al, 2014) or even on the stage of value creation in the chain (Sedita et al, 2021). That facilitates knowledge transfer, cost reductions (Sedita et al, 2021), and the possibility of growth. For Gereffi et al (2005), the primary actors within the value chain are the leaders who pass on new knowledge, which can occur vertically and horizontally.…”

“…On the one hand, the value chain is related to innovation (Chen et al, 2020). On the other hand, it is connected to inter-organizational relations (IORs) (Sedita et al, 2021). IORs are fundamental for companies' financial performance since they provide resources in a complementary way, effectively increasing their business competitiveness (Palmatier et al, 2007).…”

“…IORs also expand the firm's technological capabilities and offer the possibility of efficient knowledge transfer (Belussi et al, 2010). Sedita et al (2021) presented an example of this transfer in the wine industry in northeastern Italy.…”

“…However, when analyzing the exchange of resources between companies, this can be expanded or restricted, even if the chain is within the same territory (Sedita et al, 2021). Discussing how companies can benefit from participating in IORs according to regional configurations has yielded the literature on the global value chain (GVC) (Humphrey et al, 2020).…”

“…Discussing how companies can benefit from participating in IORs according to regional configurations has yielded the literature on the global value chain (GVC) (Humphrey et al, 2020). In this sense, the knowledge dissemination that can lead to innovation does not occur uniformly since it depends on the exchanged knowledge (Sedita et al, 2021) and on the process of regional configuration of the value chain (Humphrey et al, 2020).…”