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Learning-by-Producing and the Geographic Links Between Invention and Production: Experience from the Second Industrial Revolution

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  • Sutthiphisal, Dhanoos

Abstract

This article investigates the impact of “learning-by-producing†on inventive activity. From 1870 to 1910, in both emerging (electrical equipment and supplies) and maturing (shoes and textiles) industries, the geographic association between invention and production was rather weak. Regional shifts in production did not lead to corresponding increases in invention. The location of inventive activity tended to mirror that of individuals with advanced technical skills appropriate to each industry. Consequently, scholars may have overemphasized the importance of learning-by-producing in accounting for geographic differences in inventive activity, and underestimated the significance of technical skills amongst the population.

Suggested Citation

  • Sutthiphisal, Dhanoos, 2006. "Learning-by-Producing and the Geographic Links Between Invention and Production: Experience from the Second Industrial Revolution," The Journal of Economic History, Cambridge University Press, vol. 66(4), pages 992-1025, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:cup:jechis:v:66:y:2006:i:04:p:992-1025_00
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Alwyn Young, 1991. "Learning by Doing and the Dynamic Effects of International Trade," The Quarterly Journal of Economics, President and Fellows of Harvard College, vol. 106(2), pages 369-405.
    2. Sukkoo Kim, 1995. "Expansion of Markets and the Geographic Distribution of Economic Activities: The Trends in U. S. Regional Manufacturing Structure, 1860–1987," The Quarterly Journal of Economics, President and Fellows of Harvard College, vol. 110(4), pages 881-908.
    3. L. D. H. Weld, 1912. "Specialization in the Woolen and Worsted Industry," The Quarterly Journal of Economics, President and Fellows of Harvard College, vol. 27(1), pages 67-94.
    4. Alwyn Young, 1991. "Learning by Doing and the Dynamic Effects of International Trade," NBER Working Papers 3577, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    5. Mass, William, 1989. "Mechanical and Organizational Innovation: The Drapers and the Automatic Loom," Business History Review, Cambridge University Press, vol. 63(4), pages 876-929, January.
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • N0 - Economic History - - General
    • O3 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights

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