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Knowledge Diffusion and Industry Growth: The Case of Japan's Early Cotton Spinning Industry

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  • Serguey Braguinsky

Abstract

The diffusion of technological knowledge is key to industry growth. But not all knowledge is created equal. I use a nanoeconomic approach to examine knowledge-diffusion based growth in the Meiji-era Japanese cotton spinning industry, which enjoyed remarkable success after a decade of initial failure. By tracing sources of technological knowledge to individual engineers, I find that successful technology diffusion required the right kind of human capital embodying and transmitting knowledge, and a competitive environment that rewarded talent while weeding out incompetence.

Suggested Citation

  • Serguey Braguinsky, 2015. "Knowledge Diffusion and Industry Growth: The Case of Japan's Early Cotton Spinning Industry," ISER Discussion Paper 0939, Institute of Social and Economic Research, Osaka University.
    • Handle: RePEc:dpr:wpaper:0939
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    5. Nicholas S. Argyres & Alfredo De Massis & Nicolai J. Foss & Federico Frattini & Geoffrey Jones & Brian S. Silverman, 2020. "History‐informed strategy research: The promise of history and historical research methods in advancing strategy scholarship," Strategic Management Journal, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 41(3), pages 343-368, March.

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