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Social capital, internationalization and absorptive capacity: The electronics and ICT cluster of the Basque Country

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  • Jesus Valdaliso
  • Aitziber Elola
  • Marijose Aranguren
  • Santiago Lopez

Abstract

This article analyses the case of a successful young high technology cluster in an old industrialized European region, the electronics and information and communications technology cluster in the Basque Country (Spain). Based on the findings of this case study, we propose that social capital and internationalization play an important role in increasing the absorptive capacity of clusters (thus, the capacity of a cluster to absorb, diffuse and creatively exploit extra-cluster knowledge), and hence, in sustaining their growth and dynamism. Absorptive capacity depends on the capacity of firms to establish intra- and extra-cluster knowledge linkages. We put forward in this article the fact that social capital fosters intra-cluster knowledge linkages, and cluster's internationalization the extra-cluster knowledge ones. Therefore, social capital and internationalization are key elements to increase the absorptive capacity of a cluster and its growth. Given the accumulative, path- and place-dependent nature of social capital and knowledge creation and accumulation, we employed a largely qualitative and historical analysis, combining statistical and qualitative cluster data and interviews with key actors.

Suggested Citation

  • Jesus Valdaliso & Aitziber Elola & Marijose Aranguren & Santiago Lopez, 2011. "Social capital, internationalization and absorptive capacity: The electronics and ICT cluster of the Basque Country," Entrepreneurship & Regional Development, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 23(9-10), pages 707-733, December.
  • Handle: RePEc:taf:entreg:v:23:y:2011:i:9-10:p:707-733
    DOI: 10.1080/08985626.2010.505268
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Hans Westlund, 2006. "Social Capital in the Knowledge Economy," Advances in Spatial Science, Springer, number 978-3-540-35366-9, december.
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    Cited by:

    1. José Antonio Belso-Martínez & María José López-Sánchez & Rosario Mateu-García, 2018. "New MNE subsidiaries in old clusters: when, why, and how," Review of Managerial Science, Springer, vol. 12(2), pages 441-467, March.
    2. Yantai Chen & Jing Li & Ruoying Li, 2021. "Cluster Internationalization: Qualitative Review, Theoretical Direction, and the Rise of Emerging Markets’ Themes," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(19), pages 1-26, September.
    3. Nay Chi Khin Khin Oo & Sirisuhk Rakthin, 2022. "Integrative Review of Absorptive Capacity’s Role in Fostering Organizational Resilience and Research Agenda," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(19), pages 1-27, October.
    4. Farhad Uddin Ahmed & Louis Brennan, 2021. "A review of methodological diversity within the domain of international entrepreneurship," Journal of International Entrepreneurship, Springer, vol. 19(2), pages 256-299, June.
    5. Bettiol, Marco & Burlina, Chiara & Chiarvesio, Maria & Di Maria, Eleonora, 2017. "From Delocalisation to Backshoring? Evidence from Italian Industrial Districts," INVESTIGACIONES REGIONALES - Journal of REGIONAL RESEARCH, Asociación Española de Ciencia Regional, issue 39, pages 137-154.
    6. Osarenkhoe, Aihie & Fjellström, Daniella, 2017. "Clusters’ Vital Role in Promoting International Competitive Advantage - Towards an Explanatory Model of Regional Growth," INVESTIGACIONES REGIONALES - Journal of REGIONAL RESEARCH, Asociación Española de Ciencia Regional, issue 39, pages 175-194.
    7. Hervas Oliver,Jose Luis & Gonzalez,Gregorio & Caja,Pedro, 2014. "Clusters and industrial districts: where is the literature going? Identifying emerging sub-fields of research," INGENIO (CSIC-UPV) Working Paper Series 201409, INGENIO (CSIC-UPV).

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