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An Analysis of New-Tech Agglomeration in Beijing: A New Industrial District in the Making?

Author

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  • Jici Wang

    (Department of Geography, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China)

  • Jixian Wang

    (Department of Geography and Geology, University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong)

Abstract

Industrial districts are usually referred to as spatially concentrated networks of small and medium-sized firms. These have been seen in Europe and North America, but, so far, have been almost undiscovered in developing countries. Based on the assumption of the strong embedding of the stable and ‘pure’ district model, in this paper we examine a new-tech agglomeration in Beijing, as a variant of such districts in the making, and explain it with the use of concepts adopted from the industrial districts school. The Beijing case represents an experiment in the conscious public creation of new industrial spaces founded on the spontaneous action of key individuals. Initially it progressed as an embryonic industrial district that, in its early development, appeared to contain all three elements of entrepreneurship: small firms, new firm formation, and innovativeness. However, it has eventually been stranded by a unique combination of weaknesses. These include strong hierarchical restraints from the state-owned institutions or firms on local networking, and direct global linkages with the multinationals, which expose local economies to volatile world competition. We pinpoint the necessity for a developing country to rest its development of industrial districts on self-sustained innovativeness, and highlights the difficulties encountered in such a process.

Suggested Citation

  • Jici Wang & Jixian Wang, 1998. "An Analysis of New-Tech Agglomeration in Beijing: A New Industrial District in the Making?," Environment and Planning A, , vol. 30(4), pages 681-701, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:envira:v:30:y:1998:i:4:p:681-701
    DOI: 10.1068/a300681
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. E Vatne, 1995. "Local Resource Mobilisation and Internationalisation Strategies in Small and Medium Sized Enterprises," Environment and Planning A, , vol. 27(1), pages 63-80, January.
    2. S O Park & A Markusen, 1995. "Generalizing New Industrial Districts: A Theoretical Agenda and an Application from a Non-Western Economy," Environment and Planning A, , vol. 27(1), pages 81-104, January.
    3. Shulin Gu, 1996. "The emergence of new technology enterprises in China: A study of endogenous capability building via restructuring," Journal of Development Studies, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 32(4), pages 475-505.
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    Cited by:

    1. Zhenshan Yang & Michael Dunford, 2017. "Cluster evolution and urban industrial dynamics in the transition from a planned to a socialist market economy: the case of Beijing," Spatial Economic Analysis, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 12(1), pages 50-71, January.
    2. Hennemann Stefan & Liefner Ingo, 2006. "Kooperations- und Innovationsverhalten von chinesischen Hochtechnologieunternehmen: Empirische Ergebnisse aus Beijing und Shanghai," ZFW – Advances in Economic Geography, De Gruyter, vol. 50(1), pages 58-71, October.
    3. Nobuaki Hamaguchi & Yoshihiro Kameyama, 2008. "R&D Partnerships and Capability of Innovation of Small and Medium-Sized Firms in Zhongguancun, Beijing: The Power of Proximity," Discussion Paper Series 225, Research Institute for Economics & Business Administration, Kobe University.

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