How does knowledge flow in industrial clusters? The comparison between both naturally and intentionally formed industrial clusters in China

ABSTRACT

This study uses a survey research method. Data were collected from 178 companies in Shenzhen Hi-Tech Industrial Park, which was considered to be an intentionally formed industrial cluster. A total of 286 questionnaires were collected from Huaqiangbei Commercial Zone, which was considered to be a naturally formed industrial cluster in China. This study applies structural equation modelling with the analysis of moment structure to test the hypotheses. The findings of this study show that there is different development between intentionally and naturally formed industrial clusters. In the intentionally formed industrial cluster, the results display that global connections positively influence formal cooperation, which in turn, positively results in explorative and exploitative innovation. In this model, local connections positively influence formal cooperation, which in turn, positively leads to explorative and exploitative innovations. In contrast, in the naturally formed industrial cluster, the result shows that global connections positively influence both formal and informal cooperation, which in turn, positively result in explorative and exploitative innovations. In the model, local connections positively influence informal cooperation, which in turn, positively leads to explorative and exploitative innovations.

KEYWORDS:

• Naturally and intentionally formed industrial clusters
• external knowledge
• internal networks
• innovation performance
• industrial clusters

Disclosure statement

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

Additional information

Funding

This study was supported by Department of Education of Guangdong Province [grant number 2018WTSCX214].

Notes on contributors

Chi-Han Ai

Chi-Han Ai, Ph.D. is an assistant professor in Department of International Tourism Management of Tamkang University Lanyang Campus, Taiwan.

Hung-Che Wu

Hung-Che Wu, Ph.D. is an associate professor in Business School of Nanfang College of Sun Yat-Sen University, China.

Tian-Hang Huang

Tian-Hang Huang, Ph.D. is an associate professor in School of Public Policy and Management, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, China.

Rui Wang

Rui Wang, Ph.D. is an associate professor in Institute for Sustainable Development of Chongqing University, China.