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The Sociospatial Dynamics of Creativity and Production in Tanzanian Industry: Urban Furniture Manufacturers in a Liberalizing Economy

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  • James T Murphy

    (Graduate School of Geography, Clark University, 950 Main Street, Worcester, MA 01610-1477, USA)

Abstract

The author examines the design, production, and marketing activities of furniture makers in Mwanza, Tanzania and assesses the degree to which innovative and creative competencies and capabilities are emerging within this industry. A conceptual framework from evolutionary economics is applied, and emphasis is placed on situating the social and spatial characteristics of production, innovation, and knowledge creation within the selection environment or context created by Tanzania's economic liberalization process. Specifically, the cognitive, innovative, and organizational competencies and capabilities of furniture makers are detailed and their emergence is explained in relation to the markets, institutions, and spatial structures concomitant with neoliberal reform. The findings demonstrate how liberalization has, in effect, selected for less creative, smaller scale, and largely informal manufacturers while discouraging the development of more innovative, larger scale, and/or formal firms. In a broad sense, the results of the study raise questions about whether or not structural adjustment policies are contributing to the development of viable, globally oriented, and indigenously owned manufacturing firms in African cities like Mwanza.

Suggested Citation

  • James T Murphy, 2006. "The Sociospatial Dynamics of Creativity and Production in Tanzanian Industry: Urban Furniture Manufacturers in a Liberalizing Economy," Environment and Planning A, , vol. 38(10), pages 1863-1882, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:envira:v:38:y:2006:i:10:p:1863-1882
    DOI: 10.1068/a37383
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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    2. Harris, John, 2014. "The Messy Reality of Agglomeration Economies in Urban Informality: Evidence from Nairobi’s Handicraft Industry," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 61(C), pages 102-113.
    3. Stephen M McCauley & John Rogan & James T Murphy & Billie L Turner & Samuel Ratick, 2015. "Modeling the Sociospatial Constraints on Land-Use Change: The Case of Periurban Sprawl in the Greater Boston Region," Environment and Planning B, , vol. 42(2), pages 221-241, April.
    4. Cheng-Yi Lin, 2014. "The Evolution of Taipei’s Music Industry: Cluster and Network Dynamics in the Innovation Practices of the Music Industry," Urban Studies, Urban Studies Journal Limited, vol. 51(2), pages 335-354, February.
    5. Henrik Egbert & Gundula Fischer & Sebastian Bredl, 2011. "Different Background— Similar Strategies," Journal of Entrepreneurship and Innovation in Emerging Economies, Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India, vol. 20(2), pages 189-205, September.
    6. Egbert, Henrik & Fischer, Gundula & Bredl, Sebastian, 2009. "Advertisements or friends? Formal and informal recruitment methods in Tanzania," Discussion Papers 46, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Center for international Development and Environmental Research (ZEU).

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