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Regional Networking of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises in Japan and Germany: Evidence from a Comparative Study

Author

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  • Boris Braun

    (Geographisches Institut der Universität Bonn, Meckenheimer Allee 166, 53115 Bonn, Germany)

  • Wolf Gaebe

    (Institut für Geographie, Universität Stuttgart, Azenbergstrasse 12, 70174 Stuttgart, Germany)

  • Reinhold Grotz

    (Geographisches Institut der Universität Bonn, Meckenheimer Allee 166, 53115 Bonn, Germany)

  • Yoshiyuki Okamoto
  • Kenji Yamamoto

Abstract

In this paper we compare the regional network relationships of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the mechanical engineering and related metal manufacturing industries in Japan and Germany. We show that the structure of network relationships is still largely determined by traditional forms of the organization of production, despite convergent developments. The network relationships of SMEs in Japan are thus very largely determined by a hierarchically organized system of production. By contrast, the German SMEs almost always have far more scope for strategic action than their Japanese counterparts because they are less dependent on large companies and have their own distinctive images in the final markets. In both countries, cooperative network relationships are on the increase. However, reregionalization as postulated in the flexible specialization hypothesis does not appear to be a dominant trend in either Japan or Germany.

Suggested Citation

  • Boris Braun & Wolf Gaebe & Reinhold Grotz & Yoshiyuki Okamoto & Kenji Yamamoto, 2002. "Regional Networking of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises in Japan and Germany: Evidence from a Comparative Study," Environment and Planning A, , vol. 34(1), pages 81-99, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:envira:v:34:y:2002:i:1:p:81-99
    DOI: 10.1068/a3420
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Pascha, Werner (Ed.) & Storz, Cornelia (Ed.), 1997. "Workshop Klein- und Mittelunternehmen in Japan III: Themenschwerpunkt Innovation," Working Papers on East Asian Studies 16/1997, University of Duisburg-Essen, Institute of East Asian Studies IN-EAST.
    2. Rolf Sternberg, 1999. "Innovative Linkages and Proximity: Empirical Results from Recent Surveys of Small and Medium Sized Firms in German Regions," Regional Studies, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 33(6), pages 529-540.
    3. Andr Torre Shaw & Jean-Pierre Gilly, 2000. "On the Analytical Dimension of Proximity Dynamics," Regional Studies, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 34(2), pages 169-180.
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