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Published byAmos Horton Modified over 9 years ago
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A Synthesis of the Mature Industry Cluster Cases Peter Warrian & Celine Mulhern University of Toronto
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The ISRN “Mature” Industries Aerospace Automotive parts Mining Steel
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Four Points of Analysis: A. Adaptation Pressures B. Knowledge Flows: Formal R&D and Tacit Know-how C. Clusters or innovation systems – or a bit of both? D. Policy Options
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A. Unbundling the corporation and “externalizing” innovation New constellations of points along the supply chain: Highly advanced SMEs SMEs as de facto “managers” of the supply chain
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B. Talent and Skills Formal R&D - major, industry-wide innovations imported into Canada Canada’s competitive strength: on- the-ground KNOW-HOW Common problem: serious shortage of skilled workers
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C.The Geography of Mature Industries QUESTION: Clusters? Innovation systems? All of the above? ANSWER: It depends on the level of knowledge in question R&D: Global innovation systems Tacit Know-How: Very significant clustering patterns in Windsor, Golden Horseshoe/GTA, Sudbury, Montreal
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Lessons for policy makers Summary of Common Challenges Facing “Innovative” Mature Industries Labour shortages Sporadic know-how transfers within clusters The outsourcing of supply chain management by anchor companies
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Policy Options Use public education system to improve labour supply: Greater emphasis on traditional industrial studies in universities, community colleges Emphasize traditional industrial trades in secondary school career counselling programs
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Policy Options Develop networking forums to facilitate smoother and more consistent know- how transfers Ie. Materials and Manufacturing Ontario, one of four provincial Centres of Excellence. Ie. McMaster Steel Research Centre – creates collaboration between technical staff and scientists
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Policy Options Facilitate opportunities for inter-industry learning Ie. Expose companies to mature industry success story strategies, such as The Dofasco Way
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Conclusions Where there is a will, governments at all levels can make a difference in the adaptation and sustenance of mature industries in the new economy.
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