Institute of Innovation and Knowledge Management

The Tile District Innovation System of Castellon

Daniel Gabaldón Estevan - Ignacio Fernández de Lucio | Valencia, 24/11/2009

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• Theoretical framework• Research purposes• The District Innovation System of

Castellón• Productive/Technological/Science

environments interactions• Conclusions

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Theoretical framework 1Theoretical framework 1Innovation System

Structure andinteractions.

Relevance of the external sources for

knowledge development and

innovation(Dosi, Pavitt and

Soete 1990; Lundvall, 1992

or Edquist 1997)

Industrial DistrictGroup of SMEs in a

specific territory, where specialization and

interdependence arehigh between them and

with different agents and institutions

(Becattini 1990, Brusco 1990)

District Innovation System

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Theoretical framework 2Theoretical framework 2District Innovation System

• Face-to-face contact & physical proximity which facilitates interaction and the transfer of resources and knowledge;

• The critical value of districts has more to do with social or relational resources than with tangible externalities or physical infrastructures;

• The leading players are not only ceramic tile producers but also suppliers as well as a wide range of institutions (universities, trade associations, industrial policy agents…)

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Research PurposesResearch Purposes

• Indicate the special features of the innovation system in the territorially bounded industrial district;

• Better understand the particular case of the

innovation system of the Spanish tile district

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The District Innovation System of Castellón

The District Innovation System of Castellón

(Adapted from Fernandez-de-Lucio et al. 1996 )

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The interactionsThe interactions

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The samplingThe sampling

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Comparing the aggregatesComparing the aggregates

90% R&D

Mainly by a sole company

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Comparing the innovative vs. non-innovative 1Comparing the innovative vs. non-innovative 1

Size shows a positive & significant correlation

Inside the district innovating does not mean better results

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Control of findings (ceramic & frit companies)Control of findings (ceramic & frit companies)

<<<=

=

>>

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ConclusionsConclusions• Technological innovation are mainly done by frit and

glaze companies, the real drivers of innovation process.• Those are also the companies that interact the most

with the scientific environment, particularly in R&D.• Little use of patents as a protective mechanism, when

they do there is little cooperation and is used to protect suppliers from competitors.

• Ceramic tile producers focus on non-technological innovations.

• Difficulties on differentiating products because of an internal market of technological innovations.

• Heterogeneity and poor data sources on innovation of the companies have restricted the analysis.

• We expect to expand this research by adding data on firms’ access to external innovation sources.

www.ingenio.upv.es

Institute of Innovation and Knowledge Management

Thank you for your attentionThank you for your attentionThank you for your attentionThank you for your attention

Daniel Gabaldón EstevanINGENIO (CSIC-UPV)Camino de Vera s/n46022 ValenciaSPAIN

dagalbal@ingenio.upv.es