Delving into the technical textile phenomenon: networking strategies and innovation in mature clusters

Abstract

Substantial empirical evidence corroborates the advantages brought about by spatial colocation and networking for firms’ innovativeness in the textile industry. But firms benefit from these advantages depending on their portfolio of relationships. Consequently, cluster firms build their networks according to their specific characteristics in terms of resources and innovation activities. Within this framework, using social network analysis techniques, this study aims to identify the foundations of networking practices in textile clusters and to derive managerial and policy implications. Empirical evidence obtained in the Valencian textile cluster show how the profile and specificities of firm’s innovation activities shape its relational practices. Most innovative firms focused on technical textiles show higher levels of internal resources and capabilities.

Keywords:

• Industrial cluster
• textile industry
• technical textiles
• inter-organizational networks
• innovation

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Notes

1 SABI is a directory of Spanish and Portuguese companies that collects general information and financial data. In the case of Spain, it covers more than 95% of the companies of the 17 Spanish regions.

2 The respective four questions read as follows: (a) From which of the firms on the list have you regularly asked for technical information during the last 3 years?; (b) From which of the firms on the list have you regularly asked for business information during the last 3 years?; (c) From which of the firms on the list have you regularly received requests for technical information during the last 3 years?; (d) From which of the firms on the list have you regularly received requests for business information during the last 3 years?.