scholarly journals The dissemination mechanisms of Industry 4.0 knowledge in traditional industrial districts:evidence from Italy

Author(s):  
Alessandro Pagano ◽  
Elisa Carloni ◽  
Serena Galvani ◽  
Roberta Bocconcelli

Purpose This paper aims to provide a contribution on the diffusion of Industry 4 (I4.0)-related knowledge in industrial districts (IDs). The main goal is to examine the dissemination of I4.0 knowledge, exploring the main mechanisms for its spreading and highlighting the main factors shaping such processes. Focus is on dissemination processes in IDs active in traditional industries, which could represent the “periphery” of I4.0 application context. Design/methodology/approach The methodology is qualitative. Notably, this paper presents a case study of the Pesaro ID specialized in furniture/woodworking machinery sector. A total of 18 in-depth one-to-one interviews have been conducted with relevant informants from a variety of organizations within the cluster: companies, institutions and universities. Findings The complexity of I4.0 requires a combination of traditional mechanisms with innovative ones within IDs characterized by the emergence of new players, activities and resources. These changes led to three main evolving patterns: the horizon of I4.0 upgrading shows blurred boundaries in terms of sectors and geographic location, the I4.0 diffusion appears fragmented in terms of initiatives and projects by both firms and institutions and the dissemination of I4.0 knowledge pushes ID firms and institutions to pursue deliberate initiatives leading to innovative forms of “collective” cooperation. Originality/value This paper contributes to both theory and practice. From the theoretical point of view, this paper contributes to the literature on innovation in IDs and clusters on two interrelated grounds. First, it provides further research on I4.0 and IDs and clusters. Second, it contributes to the stream of research on knowledge creation and diffusion in IDs and clusters, providing empirically based insights over emerging local learning processes in IDs. Moreover, relevant managerial and policy implications stem from the analysis.

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kiarash Fartash ◽  
Amir Ghorbani ◽  
Mohammadsadegh Khayatian ◽  
Mahdi Elyasi

Purpose This paper aims at identifying knowledge creation and diffusion challenges and explaining their causal relationship in renewable energy technologies in Iran. Design/methodology/approach By reviewing literature of renewable energy technologies development, key knowledge creation and diffusion challenges are extracted. Then, the decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory method is used to investigate the cause-effect relationships as well as the influence structure of aforementioned challenges in Iran. Findings The results indicate that lack of specialized higher education and research institutions (C4), limited international product development and technological cooperation with international pioneer firms (C8), insufficient international research interactions of institutions and academic research centres (C6), tight and temporary subsidies to domestic institutes (C13), limited and non-systematic government grants (C14), insufficient tax incentives with low impact on investment (C12), weak enforcement of intellectual property rights (C5), low number and relatively poor performance of NGOs and scientific and trade associations (C19) and the limited number of conferences, workshops, meetings and specialized journals (C15) are among the most instrumental challenges of knowledge creation and diffusion of renewable energy technologies development in Iran. Originality/value This paper identifies knowledge creation and diffusion challenges of renewable energy technologies development in Iran, which is applicable for other developing countries. It also analyses the interrelationship and causal effect between challenges which is a neglected issue in the literature and has beneficial theoretical and policy implications.


2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Thi Hieu Hanh Truong

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to look into the mechanism in which customers involve themselves in omni-channel retail setting and use its advantages.Design/methodology/approachVia an empirical analysis through surveying customers, this paper assesses and confirms the drivers of omni-channel shopping intention within the context of fashion retailing sector in Danang.FindingsThe findings highlight the significance of customer perception of research shopping (including showrooming and webrooming) behaviours, compatibility and risk to their intention towards omni-channel shopping, implying profound understanding of designing effective omni-channel retailing strategy.Originality/valueFrom a theoretical perspective, comprehending customer perception of the omni-channel concept has emerged as an important theme in recent literature as well as in practitioners' reports. Hence, the meaningful contribution of this study is the involvement in the attractive steam of study. From a managerial perspective, this study could offer guidance to retailers or managers about developing a successful omni-channel strategy from a customer point of view.


2018 ◽  
Vol 1 (3) ◽  
pp. 240-257 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giulio Ronzoni ◽  
Edwin Torres ◽  
Juhee Kang

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to analyze the theory and implementation of dual branding. The authors explore whether dual branding is a positive choice for two hotel brands belonging to the same firm and operating under the same roof, in this case, a Wyndham and a Wyndham Garden branded property. Design/methodology/approach A case study methodology was employed. In-depth interviews were conducted with managers regarding their decisions and implementation of a dual branding strategy. Findings The authors reveal the organizational, operational, technical, marketing, financial, economic and technological challenges experienced before, during and after the dual branding transition. Moreover, they reveal the results of the implementation and its consequences to the hotel and its customers. A conceptual model is presented with the goal of assisting and facilitating the investigation, analysis, choice and implementation of dual branding by hoteliers. Originality/value The present research expands the existing body of knowledge, bridges the theory and practice of branding in the lodging sector, advances dual branding theory and provides insightful implications for scholars and managers alike.


2019 ◽  
Vol 41 (3) ◽  
pp. 45-55
Author(s):  
Anna Feldmann ◽  
Frank Teuteberg

Purpose This study aims to illustrate the current understanding of the concept of intrapreneurship by comparing it with that of a traditional project. Design/methodology/approach A meta-model was used to demonstrate how the two concepts overlap and what differences exist. Furthermore, a case study was conducted with an IT service provider from the banking sector in which 12 qualitative interviews with intrapreneurs were held and used to summarize the differences between projects and intrapreneurship initiatives from the intrapreneurs’ point of view. Findings This study identified two major differences: First, unlike in projects, the client has no clear objective in intrapreneurship; rather, only the sponsors maintain a general goal. Second, intrapreneurship allows for circumventing constraints and thus for working with more freedom and the possibility of failure. Originality/value This study used an explanatory model to summarize differences and clarify the concept of intrapreneurship.


2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (3) ◽  
pp. 258-273 ◽  
Author(s):  
Suzana Xavier Ribeiro ◽  
Marcelo Seido Nagano

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate how certain characteristics of the university–industry–government collaboration facilitate knowledge creation and management, hence innovation focusing on particularities of the Brazilian scenario. Design/methodology/approach As a conceptual basis, there are correlations between theories of knowledge management and the Triple Helix, a model referenced to university–industry–government cooperation. The research was conducted through a multiple case study at two National Institutes of Science and Technology (INCTs in Portuguese). Findings The main results show the importance of participation in the INCT program, as it enables the creation of an organizational structure with the coordinator’s leadership, who directs the flow of knowledge among organizations and stimulates innovation. Originality/value The choice of the topic is justified by the lack of studies on the identification and analyses of the main aspects of this type of collaboration in an integrated way.


2016 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 74-81 ◽  
Author(s):  
Erica Elaine McInnis

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to focus on the theory and practice of disability psychotherapy (DP) using the integrative Frankish model (2013a). This draws on the model’s use with a 28-year-old male with a mild intellectual disability (ID) who presented with a range of emotional and behavioural problems. Design/methodology/approach – A case study reporting on the practice of DP of psychodynamic orientation. Findings – Adaptations useful in providing DP with people with IDs and the type of issues which arise are reported. Research limitations/implications – DP is possible and beneficial in community settings. Limitations of a single case study include generalisability of findings. Originality/value – Existing papers focus on the model (Frankish, 2013a), development of the emotional development measuring tool (Frankish, 2013b) and contextual issues (Frankish, 2013c). This case study provides novel information on the practice of DP, and analysis of manifestations of white supremacy (Ani, 1994) in psychotherapy with people with IDs.


Author(s):  
Jane Burdett

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to report on the experiences of a large Australian Government department in the successful trialling of a formal reverse mentoring project for developing information technology (IT) competence in executives. Design/methodology/approach – A case study approach was used to collect data from interviews with the organization’s project leader. Data were also sourced from relevant internal documents and appropriate literature. Findings – The results suggest that formal reverse mentoring projects can have additional reciprocal benefits for both parties such as leadership development, knowledge creation and relationship building. Furthermore, it emerged that clear procedures, effective structures and time spent on participant preparation contributed to the project’s success. Research limitations/implications – Findings from a single case study may not be generalizable to all contexts. Practical implications – This paper provides guidance to trainers and leaders in the planning and delivery of an innovative reverse mentoring project for IT competence and beyond. Originality/value – This paper contributes to an understanding of leadership development through mentoring and offers practical assistance to leaders, managers and trainers.


Author(s):  
Angelo Cavallo ◽  
Silvia Sanasi ◽  
Antonio Ghezzi ◽  
Andrea Rangone

Purpose This paper aims to examine how competitive intelligence (CI) relates to the strategy formulation process of firms. Design/methodology/approach Due to the novelty of the phenomenon and to the depth of the investigation required to grasp the mechanisms and logics of CI, a multiple case study has been performed related to four companies located in Brazil that adopted CI practices within dedicated business units to inform and support strategic decision-making. Findings The authors provide detailed empirical evidence on the connection and use of CI practices throughout each stage of the strategy formulation process. Moreover, the study suggests that CI practices, despite their strategic relevance and diffusion, are still extensively adopted for tactical use. Originality/value This study sheds light on how CI practices may inform, support, and be integrated in the strategy formulation process, as few studies have done before.


2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 155-170 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katiuscia Vaccarini ◽  
Christoph Lattemann ◽  
Francesca Spigarelli ◽  
Ernesto Tavoletti

Purpose The purpose of this paper is twofold. First, to analyze the impact of Chinese managers’ psychic distance (PD) with Germany on their businesses; and second, to investigate whether managers’ previous experiences affect their PD. Design/methodology/approach A multiple case study research design is adopted. It is based on six Chinese companies that have recently entered Germany through FDI. Findings PD influences the decision making of Chinese FDI to Germany, it has an impact on Chinese businesses in Germany on 4 out of 12 dimensions, namely, legal, political, cultural aspects as well as language. Managers with no international experience (study, work, foreign investment practice) perceive a higher impact of PD dimensions on business with the host country, whereas the opposite is true for experienced ones. Originality/value While extensive research has been conducted on the PD construct under the point of view of the differences between the home and host country’s characteristics, this paper sheds lights on the impact of pre- and post- periods of investment, as well as over international experiences of managers investing abroad. It examines the environmental industry for Chinese FDI to Germany.


2019 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 412-428
Author(s):  
Somia Kherbouche ◽  
Abdelkader Djedid

Purpose Focussing on the event “Tlemcen Capital of Islamic Culture 2011”, the purpose of this paper is to examine the changing perception of the city’s image, assess its durability and determine its relationship with the development of sustainable cultural tourism. Design/methodology/approach This research is tested by an empirical study that combines a qualitative and a quantitative approach. The qualitative study is based on semi-directive interviews, whereas quantitative study is based on statistics from the Wilaya Tourism Department. Findings The results of this study indicate first of all that the perception of the city’s image by the inhabitants is not static and that it follows the same process of evolution of the perception of the image by tourists but in relation to other factors such as awareness and age. The second result shows that the sustainability of the image must be verified both inside and outside to achieve sustainable cultural tourism. Originality/value This study is in line with previous research with another point of view on the city’s image and another case study which is the historical city of Tlemcen. It serves to examine the evolution of the perception of the city’s image produced by the event and to assess its sustainability.


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