Thread by @PRT1969

Our latest paper in @eursjournal looks at role of actors & knowledge flows in transforming development paths in #decliningcluster @bathfmf @JRBranston #clusterlifecycles #econgeog #clusterevolution #levellingup #openaccess 🧵1/n journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/09…

Using mixed methods, we explore the mature #NorthStaffsCeramicsCluster (NSCC) & role of firm & institutional-level actors in shaping emergent transformative development paths under stimulus of local/global knowledge links from int trade fairs (ITFs). 2/18

Standard Cluster lifecycle models imply clusters emerge, take-off, mature, stabilise and eventually decline - a grim deterministic outcome (even death) is predicted for mature clusters (such as NSCC) 3/18

Martin & Sunley’s (2011) Modified Cluster Adaptive Cycle Model (MCACM) offers hope for mature clusters - they may reorientate to new paths via renewal/or are replaced with a focus on new products. 4/18

We utilise the MCACM alongside @S_Baumgartinger’s role of vision in the phases of mature cluster transition. 5/18

Martin & Sunley emphasise firms as entrepreneurial/innovative actors creating upward cluster dynamic pressures whilst system level actors exert downward pressures to conserve/stabilise existing cluster paths. In #NSCC, we find the opposite 6/18

@S_Baumgartinger (2021) suggests mature/declining clusters can move onto more radical pathways/embrace the industries of the future if a cluster not only builds on its industrial past, but also pursues visions of the future 7/18

Re-energising local knowledge is critical & may inspire new visions. One means is by firms tapping into ‘global buzz’ via ITFs, university links, supply chain partners etc (Bathelt et.al, 2014) 8/18

In NSCC, @LucideonGroup @ceramfed @StaffsChambers & @SoTCityCouncil have coalesced around a shared vision of the cluster as a high-tech knowledge hub with tech capabilities in advanced materials & based in #CeramicsValleyEnterpriseZone 9/18

@ceramfed & @SoTCityCouncil began to re-invigorate historically weak local inter-firm networks. @StaffsChambers support attendance at ITFs. The #BritishCeramicsBiennial initiative showcases international ceramic excellence/innovation in Stoke 10/18

@LucideonGroup are NSCC’s main conduit for innovation, facilitating collaboration & knowledge transfer locally & from across the globe to local firms, and assist cluster firms to secure/manage research funding 11/18

Recent initiatives: @MaterialsMatrix a hub of global experts to foster exchange of ideas/technology, #AMRICC for training/research & commercialising materials science & applications. AMRICC is a global leader in #flashsintering, used in health, electro-ceramics & defence 12/18

Yet traditional ceramics firms (table/giftware) collectively exert little innovative/entrepreneurial upward pressure & hold different visions by subsector. They tend to have limited vision, continue on the cluster’s historical pathway; 13/18

although attendance at ITFs exposes them to new trends (colours/shapes/packaging) leading to incremental product innovations. Technical ceramics firms (materials, production equipment) have broader visions. Exposure to ITFs stimulates (relatively more) radical changes to 14/18

their products and target markets. They are better able to align with the industry/regional actors’ vision of the cluster’s future. Contribution: we add to the MCACM model, by suggesting at firm level, TWO different simultaneous pathways are possible: 15/18

renewal (traditional firms) & exaptation (technical firms). We provide support for the importance of an aligned vision in mature cluster transition. 16/18

Implications: with sufficient collective vision among actors at multiple levels about how to utilise existing capabilities in new ways, even clusters substantially within the decline phase may be able to transition on to trajectories with better economic prospects 17/18

If, as in NSCC, there is a case for re-invigorating local linkages & (re-)stimulating local buzz, policy support nurturing local & predominantly SME networks & exposing them to international influences can help; local industry/regional bodies may act as suitable conduits 18/18

Full paper is #openaccess. Thanks to @eursjournal for publishing our paper & to the Editor @profadriansmith & reviewers for critical/helpful comments and patience. @threadreaderapp unroll please Ends