Erwin van Tuijl

Knowledge sourcing, knowledge bases, and the spatial organisation of car design

This paper analyses the geographical implications of having different types of knowledge bases—synthetic and symbolic—involved in one single but complex innovation process: car design. To do so, we investigated three contrasting car design strategies (Audi, Renault, and SAIC-GM) with the aim of exploring empirical regularities and the reasons underlying the links between knowledge bases, knowledge sourcing mechanisms, and resulting spatial configurations. Evidence suggests that when the synthetic knowledge base is dominant, formal collaboration and mobility are prime knowledge sourcing mechanisms. Moreover, knowledge creation and exchange is likely to occur between actors permanently located within the same region or through the temporary colocation of globally spread innovation partners. On the other hand, when symbolic knowledge is dominant, mobility, monitoring, and buzz turn to be the most relevant sourcing mechanisms, and knowledge creation and exchange are likely to occur within a more strictly local dimension (eg, in cities), through temporary colocation configurations (eg, presence in fairs and via temporary staff exchange), and by global scanning of competitors and trends.

Multinational Knowledge Strategies, Policy and the Upgrading Process of Regions: Revisiting the Automotive Industry in Ostrava and Shanghai

This paper revisits how and why new multinational knowledge-based strategies and multi-level governmental policies influence the upgrading process of regions in developing economies. Automotive multinationals traditionally exploited local asset conditions, but it is shown that they have also been contributing to knowledge-generation systems via investments in R&D centres and cooperation with regional knowledge producers. We discern three elements of the upgrading process of regions—upgrading of domestic firms, subsidiary evolution and establishment of strategic relations with local knowledge institutes—to analyse two case studies: Ostrava (Czech Republic) and Shanghai (China). The cases show that all types of upgrading—product, process, chain and functional—have taken place in the last years, and that follow sourcing may have a positive impact on regional upgrading. These observations provide lessons for governments in developing economies which aim to strengthen innovation-based regional development.

Upgrading of Symbolic and Synthetic Knowledge Bases: Analysis of the Architecture, Engineering and Construction Industry and the Automotive Industry in China

The degree and the way of upgrading differ widely per industry. This article tries to give some new insights in these differences by linking the concept of upgrading to that of the knowledge base. Moreover, we try to identify barriers to upgrading as well as the appropriate spatial scale on which upgrading takes place, again for different knowledge bases. We support our argument by analysing the process of upgrading in two industries in China: the AEC industry (in Beijing and Shanghai) and the automotive industry (in Shanghai). Within these industries we focus on upgrading on two levels: within firms and within projects. Our findings for both industries suggest that the principal ways of upgrading of the symbolic knowledge base are joint brainstorming in internal and external project teams and labour mobility. Major factors that hinder the upgrading of symbolic knowledge include the development stage of China, the Chinese educational system and tensions about duplication of western designs. Upgrading of the synthetic knowledge base takes mainly place via inter-company training programmes of foreign firms, technology transfer and labour mobility on the long run. A possible barrier for upgrading of synthetic knowledge, especially in the automotive industry, is that foreign firms tend to keep certain engineering activities in their home base because of the risk of knowledge leakage. However, this is changing quickly as many foreign carmakers and their suppliers invest in engineering centres in China due to an increasing demand for cars, to governmental regulations and to intensifying competition.

Upgrading of Symbolic and Synthetic Knowledge Bases: Evidence from the Chinese Automotive and Construction Industries

Abstract This paper deals with the question of how upgrading of the symbolic and synthetic knowledge bases takes place and, by doing so, we contribute to the upgrading literature by linking upgrading with the concept of the differentiated knowledge bases. We discern a number of upgrading mechanisms, and based on empirical evidence from the construction industry and the automotive industry in China, we show that the main upgrading mechanisms for symbolic knowledge include “learning-by-interacting in project teams” and “monitoring”, while upgrading of synthetic knowledge takes place via “technology transfer” and “learning-by-doing and-using”. “Mobility” and “on-the-job training and learning in Transnational Corporations” are the main upgrading mechanisms contributing to the development of both knowledge bases.

Sustainable development of cities: the role of leader firms

The issue of global climate change tops the international political agenda in the search for longterm international agreements on the global reduction of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and other greenhouse gases (GHGs). Cities have in this global (strategic) context an important responsibility in promoting sustainable development and reducing emissions. Cities take up only 2 per cent of the world’s surface, but the functionaleconomic activities (industry, housing, transport) located within urban agglomerations are responsible for almost 80 per cent of the greenhouse gases released into the world’s atmosphere. Port cities act as a specific case in this challenging context, specifically because of their location along the coast, their hub function in world trade and their industrial profile. The scale enlargement and increased intensity of port and industrial activity over recent decades have put the relationship with nearby metropolitan areas under pressure. At the same time, port expansion projects at a considerable distance from cities are faced with ecological sensitivities and tighter environmental legislations. Nonetheless, the port and its nearby urban environment remain closely linked, and within these times of climate change have more than ever become strategic partners in sustainable development and innovation. New global and national regulatory frameworks on sustainability pose a fundamental challenge for both internationally operating businesses

Car makers and upgrading: Renault in Romania

Purpose – Illustrated with the case of Renault-Dacia in Romania we aim to give insights in how and why foreign car makers contribute to upgrading. In addition, we analyse the spatial implications of this process for different parts of the value chain. Design/methodology/approach – We divide the investments of Renault in Romania in different stages. In each stage we analyse in which functions the car maker invests, in which place, why, and which implications this has for upgrading. The empirical data stems from in-depth interviews with Renault managers, engineers and designers in Romania and in France and from further corporate information, including annual reports, press releases and web sites. Findings – We show that Renault contributes to all types of upgrading, starting with product and process upgrading in the first stages, while in later stages it also invests in functional upgrading. It does not only upgrade its own subsidiary, but also suppliers and knowledge institutes. Concerning the value chain,...

Designing the dragon or does the dragon design? An analysis of the impact of creative industries on urban development of Beijing

Inspired by work on the creative class and creative cities, cities in Europe and Northern America have started to invest in creativity in general and in design in particular. Much less is known about the role of creativity in emerging economies. This paper analyses the role of design in the socio economic development of Beijing. We identify main success factors and barriers for design businesses and show how design can be used for socio economic development. Backed up by state investments and fast decision making, neighbourhoods have been revitalised and modern iconic landmarks are added to the collection of old monuments. Moreover, priority has changed from ‘Made in China’ to ‘Created in China’, allowing the country’s industries to move upwards in the value chain. Nevertheless, and despite of the presence of key research institutes, further developments of the design sector and the use of design in other sectors are major challenges laying ahead.

Designing the Dragon or Does the Dragon Design? An Analysis of the Impact of the Creative Industry on the Process of Urban Development of Beijing, China

After reading Richard Florida�s work (e.g. Florida, 2003) on the creative industry and on the importance of the creative class for urban development in post-industrial economies, many cities in Europe and the USA have started to invest in creativity in general and in design in particular. Much less is known about the role of creativity in industrial economies. This paper analyses the role of design in the economic and social development of China�s political and cultural capital Beijing. We will try to identify the main success factors and barriers for the design business and show how design can be further used for social and economic development of the city. Backed up by conspicuous state investments and by fast decision making, industrial areas have been transformed and neighbourhoods have been revitalised, infrastructure has been upgraded, and some modern iconic landmarks are added to the collection of old monuments. Moreover, priority has changed from �Made in China� to �Create in China�, allowing economic activities to move upwards in the value chain. Nevertheless, and despite the presence of key research and art institutes, further developments of the design sector and the use of design in other (manufacturing) sectors will still be a huge challenge.

Beyond the joint-venture: knowledge sourcing in Chinese automotive events

Abstract This article analyses how firms use events and trade fairs for external knowledge sourcing, which barriers emerge and how event organisers strategically mediate and influence those processes. The research setting focuses on two major automotive events in Shanghai, highlighting that knowledge sourcing in these events do complement other types of knowledge accessed in permanent ‘sites’ and organisational configurations, such as in clusters and through joint-ventures. Firms use automotive events to access buzz, to monitor other firms and to explore options for new collaborations. Yet, it is also argued that a focus on existing relations, the defensive strategies deployed by lead firms and the intrinsic complexity of exhibited technologies hinder the process of knowledge sourcing that is influenced by event organisers’ content, matchmaking and access policies.