An analysis of the Spanish ceramic tile industry research contracts and patents

ABSTRACT

In this work, we apply a systemic approach to the analysis of a particular geographic territory, the industrial district. We are particularly interested in analysing the interaction between the productive-technological environment and the scientific environment by an examination of research contracts and patents. Our analysis shows that R&D activity in the Spanish ceramic tile District Innovation System was mainly conducted by suppliers. Final producers’ innovation efforts were related to non-technological aspects and differentiation.

KEYWORDS:

• Innovation system
• ceramic tile
• industrial district
• patent
• research contracts

Disclosure Statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

ORCID

Daniel Gabaldón-Estevan http://orcid.org/0000-0003-2086-5012

Liney Manjarrés-Henriquez http://orcid.org/0000-0002-9136-5042

F. Xavier Molina-Morales http://orcid.org/0000-0001-9078-4782

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Ministerio de Economia y Competitividad (Ministry of Economy and Competiveness) of Spain, under project ECO2015-67122.