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Article
Publication date: 12 January 2015

Johan Sandberg, Jonny Holmström, Nannette Napier and Per Levén

Although the potential of innovation networks that involve both university and industry actors is great variances in cultures, goals and knowledge poses significant challenges. To…

2673

Abstract

Purpose

Although the potential of innovation networks that involve both university and industry actors is great variances in cultures, goals and knowledge poses significant challenges. To better understand management of such innovation networks, the authors investigate different strategies for balancing diversity. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

In this multiple case study, the authors draw on network and trading zone theory to examine the strategies of four research centers that govern university-industry innovation networks.

Findings

The authors provide empirically grounded descriptions of strategies for balancing diversity in innovation processes, extend previous theorizations by suggesting two types of trading zones (transformative and performative), and identify four strategy configuration dimensions (means of knowledge trade, tie configuration, knowledge mobility mechanisms and types of trust).

Research limitations/implications

Further research is needed on transferability of results when, e.g. cultural collaboration and communication patterns change, and performance implications of different configurations. The research provides conceptual tools for future research on the impact of different diversity strategies.

Practical implications

The findings point to the importance of identifying desired types of innovation outcomes and designing the appropriate level of diversity. To implement the selected strategy, managers need to configure communication channels and strength of relationships, establish associated capacity for knowledge transfer and build appropriate levels of trust.

Originality/value

While extant research has provided a solid understanding of benefits from diversity in boundary spanning innovation processes, this paper outlines strategies for managing associated challenges.

Details

European Journal of Innovation Management, vol. 18 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1460-1060

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 28 September 2018

Alison F. Stowell and Martin Brigham

In the context of the environmental impacts caused due to the increasing volumes of discarded technologies (e-Waste), this paper aims to critically evaluate whether environmental…

Abstract

Purpose

In the context of the environmental impacts caused due to the increasing volumes of discarded technologies (e-Waste), this paper aims to critically evaluate whether environmental policy, the Waste of Electronic and Electrical Equipment (WEEE) legislation in particular can contribute to a shift in logic from neoliberal growth to green growth.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing upon empirical research, this paper shows how three computer waste organisations evolve through the imbrication of pre- and post-policy logics in collaborative and heterogeneous ways to create an “economy of greening”.

Findings

Extending the concept of a fractionated trading zone, this paper demonstrates the heterogeneous ways in which computer sourcing is imbricated, providing a taxonomy of imbricating logics. It is argued that what is shared in a fractionated trading zone is a diversity of imbrications. This provides for a nuanced perspective on policy and the management of waste, showing how post-WEEE logics become the condition to continue to pursue pre-WEEE logics.

Research limitations/implications

This research focuses on three organisations and the EU 2003 and UK 2006 versions of the WEEE legislation.

Practical implications

The research findings have important implications, more specifically, for how e-Waste policy is enacted as an “economy of greening” to constitute managerial and organisational adaptation needed to create a sustainable economy and society.

Originality/value

This paper’s contribution is threefold. First, theoretically, the literature on trading zones and imbrication is extended by considering how they can complement one another. Our focus on imbrication is a “zooming in” on the managerial and organisational implications and dynamics of a trading zone. Second, the literature on imbrication is added to by identifying a diverse range of imbricating logics that can be used to discern a more nuanced understanding of the translated effects of policy. Last, these ideas are ground in a relevant empirical context – that of e-waste management in the UK, providing a deeper knowledge, over time, of specific actors’ translations of policy into organisational practices.

Details

Society and Business Review, vol. 14 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1746-5680

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 September 2006

Anusua Datta, D.K. Malhotra and Philip S. Russel

The U.S. textile industry has gone through much upheaval in the past two decades. As protective barriers are gradually phased out the industry is faced with stiff foreign…

513

Abstract

The U.S. textile industry has gone through much upheaval in the past two decades. As protective barriers are gradually phased out the industry is faced with stiff foreign competition. Regional trade pacts, such as NAFTA and CBI, on the other hand help to improve the competitiveness of the domestic textile industry. This paper looks at the trends in U.S. textile trade with the various trading zones and the various factors influencing textile imports and exports. We examine the impact of the new global environment, the regional trade pacts, NAFTA and CBI on the changing nature and pattern of trade. The overall trends indicate a significant decline in imports from the EU countries, Asia remains significant, but NAFTA and CBI countries are quickly gaining ground over the old trading partners. The OECD remains the most significant destination for U.S. textile exports followed by NAFTA and Latin American countries.

Details

Competitiveness Review: An International Business Journal, vol. 16 no. 3/4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1059-5422

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 September 2017

Xionghui Zhang

The economy of Fujian has caused tremendous development momentum and increased the economic exchanges between Taiwan and the mainland since the establishment of the free trade

Abstract

The economy of Fujian has caused tremendous development momentum and increased the economic exchanges between Taiwan and the mainland since the establishment of the free trade area of Fujian province. However, the contradiction between ecological protection and economic development should be considered on the basis of solving the problem of building trade zones. Performing regional trade zone planning from the ecological and economic perspectives is difficult, not only should the ecological and economic perspectives meet and emphasize the ecological and economical levels of interaction, but also achieve the optimization of eco-economic development potential of the free trade zone. In view of the above problems, according to the economy and resource allocation base of the new trade zone in Fujian Province, the space planning strategy development was carried out in this paper. In the overall layout of the new trade zone, the chain service area, the high-end service area, and the city near the port are taken as a major planning axis. North and South regions are gathering areas of shipping, logistics and new industries, developing on three partitions of function, improvement and advance around Haijing Road. The landscape is divided into Cai Jianwei mountain and Jing Kouyan mountain as the basis, and the third South China Sea Road and Haixin road form six corridors between mountain and sea. With the foundation of international cruise port development planning, the ease of east harbors should be promoted to north, and the development rhythm od airport planning areas should be strictly controlled, which can prepare for the later spatial release of the relocation of the airport from city planning areas. The main line of the important traffic node is reserved to improve the stock space, and the industrial neighborhood area near the central fishing port of Fujian and Taiwan is reserved, which can provide the regional space preparation for the planning of the new trade zone.

Details

Open House International, vol. 42 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0168-2601

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 September 2019

Wence Yu, Hao Chen and Liqiang Yang

In order to alleviate China's crisis of marginalization in international trade, combined with the development characteristics of the Shanghai Free Trade Zone, the development…

140

Abstract

In order to alleviate China's crisis of marginalization in international trade, combined with the development characteristics of the Shanghai Free Trade Zone, the development direction of the bonded cold chain business of Shanghai Yangshan Comprehensive Bonded Port Area was proposed. From a long-term perspective, a free trade zone integrating processing, logistics, finance, culture, and internal and external market trade was formed. By taking advantage of the huge consumption of imported food in the Yangtze river delta region, the policy advantages of Yangshan Port Area are exploited. Combined with the development of cross-border e-commerce, innovative experiences that could be replicated and promoted are formed. The results showed that the free trade zone is the development direction of the bonded port area. Therefore, the Shanghai Bonded Port Area should focus on the integration with the development of the free trade zone in the initial stage. This lays a solid foundation for the construction of the bonded port area as a comprehensive internal and external trade platform for ASEAN (the Association of Southeast Asian Nations) and the domestic market. Research on the planning and layout of trade zones can help plan the future development of trade zones and their direction. The trade zone is pre-controlled. The efficiency of future construction and upgrading of the bonded area is improved. It is of great practical significance to the current development and construction of the Shanghai Bonded Port Area.

Details

Open House International, vol. 44 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0168-2601

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 30 June 2020

Biswajit Mandal and Alaka Shree Prasad

This paper aims to strive to model virtual trade resulting from time zone differences in an otherwise Heckscher–Ohlin set up which is absent in the literature. So, the paper adds…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to strive to model virtual trade resulting from time zone differences in an otherwise Heckscher–Ohlin set up which is absent in the literature. So, the paper adds some value to the existing literature on time zones (TZ) and trade.

Design/methodology/approach

A competitive general equilibrium model is developed first to capture the effect of TZ differences on virtual trade. Then the authors examine, in brief, if distance can be accommodated in such framework. Finally, the authors extend the model to incorporate informality.

Findings

It is seen that exploitation of time zone difference benefits skilled labor and hurts capital under reasonable assumption. In what follows, time zone difference exploiting sector expands, whereas the other sector contracts. Then, the model has been extended to examine how distance may also lead to similar outcomes. In addition, the model is further modified to explore the effect of virtual trade in an informality and associated extortion ridden economy. Interestingly, virtual trade turns out to be beneficial to unskilled workers as well, and leads to a fall in the number of extortionists, though informal production is augmented.

Research limitations/implications

This model is a competitive model that may not clearly reflect the realistic world. However, interestingly this may form the basis of looking into some other appealing dimensions of the real world.

Originality/value

TZ and related communication-cost-driven trade arguments are relatively less explored theoretically. Therefore, the work adds some value to the theoretical understanding of outsourcing in service trade that uses day-night differences across the globe.

Details

Indian Growth and Development Review, vol. 14 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1753-8254

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 September 2017

Wence Yu, Hao Chen and LiQiang Yang

Since the reform and opening up, the economy of China has rapidly developed. The system, structure, mode, and pattern of the foreign trade in China must be adjusted accordingly to…

Abstract

Since the reform and opening up, the economy of China has rapidly developed. The system, structure, mode, and pattern of the foreign trade in China must be adjusted accordingly to adapt to new economic normality. In this study, the main types of free trade areas worldwide were analyzed, and the necessary conditions for their successful development were examined on the basis of an ecological economic perspective. The Shanghai free trade area is a typical representative of a new type of Trade Zone in China. It introduces the principles of sustainable development, people oriented, green, low-carbon and other eco free trade zones. The planning characteristics of Shanghai free trade zone were studied from the point of view of planning economy and land use. Taking Shanghai Yangshan land free trade zone as an example, the planning research was carried out in terms of functional zoning, environment, transportation and facilities. In summary, this study provided theoretical and technical references for the construction of free trade areas and for the formulation of significant policies.

Details

Open House International, vol. 42 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0168-2601

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 June 1989

T. Bettina Cornwell

This article examines the issues related to US foreign‐trade zonesas perceived by the zone managers. A longitudinal study of foreign‐tradezone managers was conducted. The results…

Abstract

This article examines the issues related to US foreign‐trade zones as perceived by the zone managers. A longitudinal study of foreign‐trade zone managers was conducted. The results of the two surveys and an extensive dialogue with foreign‐trade zone managers suggest a continuing lack of awareness and understanding of the benefits of zone operations on the part of potential zone users. Implications are discussed from a marketing management perspective.

Details

International Marketing Review, vol. 6 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0265-1335

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 August 2006

Dotun Adebanjo, Dennis Kehoe, Peter Galligan and Fred Mahoney

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the issues that impact negatively on e‐cluster development in a low product complexity industry and identification of key factors to…

1491

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the issues that impact negatively on e‐cluster development in a low product complexity industry and identification of key factors to overcome the barriers.

Design/methodology/approach

Structured interviews were used to identify perceived value and user expectations from e‐clusters. Workshops involving assessment of a prototype e‐cluster validated user expectations. A mapping study and best practice review provided a basis for e‐cluster application development and assessing potential industry uptake.

Findings

Interest and perceived value of e‐clusters varied according to size of organisation with smaller organisations primarily interested in e‐connectivity to retailers and e‐business development. Organisations of all sizes, however, indicated a willingness to learn from each other and partner although level of e‐connectivity was average and overall level of sophistication was low.

Practical implications

Industrial review and acceptance of a prototype e‐cluster that would enable organisations manage several critical aspects of their operations from a single interface.

Originality/value

The paper provides new understanding of key issues that impact the operational benefits of e‐clusters and, in particular, factors that would underpin the success of e‐cluster success in a competitive, insular, low product complexity industry. This presents an informed basis for e‐cluster managers and members to successfully manage their initiative.

Details

International Journal of Operations & Production Management, vol. 26 no. 8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0144-3577

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 February 1982

James R. Stock and Douglas M. Lambert

World business, multinational company, and world enterprise are all terms being used with more frequency as a significantly larger number of businesses become international both…

Abstract

World business, multinational company, and world enterprise are all terms being used with more frequency as a significantly larger number of businesses become international both in philosophy and in scope of operations. For a continually growing number of firms, the entire world is considered a marketplace for their products.

Details

International Journal of Physical Distribution & Materials Management, vol. 12 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0269-8218

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