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Abstract
This paper investigates the evolution patterns of eight territorial systems in Japan during the period of industry relocation. Multiple case study methodology was applied. Data were collected through interviews with entrepreneurs and local government officials. Based on the findings that reveal adaptation processes in which manufacturing firms are involved, we propose a three-stage evolutionary model to conceptualize the changes that are taking place in Japan's territorial systems. We argue that the transactional relationships are evolving towards more socialized relationships and that these relationships are evolving towards more formalized, knowledge-based innovation networks.
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Acknowledgements
The author is grateful to Professor Alistair Anderson and two anonymous reviewers for their comments and suggestions on a previous version of this paper. The support of the Japan Foundation and the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science is acknowledged.
Notes
Notes
1. Kigyo joka machi literally means enterprise-castle-town. This expression alludes to the term joka machi, or castle-town, which refers to feudal towns governed by lords called daimyo.
2. To our knowledge, no systematic comparison of Italian and Japanese territorial systems has yet been performed. For a comparative analysis of the textile industry clusters in two countries, see Okamoto (Citation1993).
3. The Nissan Revival Plan is aimed at restructuring Nissan. It was introduced following the arrival of Carlos Ghosn as the new president of Nissan in 1999.