Publication: Industrial diversity and innovation spillovers: dynamic innovation and adoption
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Authors
Amison, Philip
Bailey, David
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Abstract
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"This paper explores the links between open innovation and the emergence of a
phoenix industry – the low carbon vehicles sector - in the UK’s traditional automotive
heartland, focusing on the West Midlands region. It highlights three major factors in
driving the development of this ‘phoenix’ industry at a regional level. Firstly, it
highlights the role of ‘open innovation’ approaches in driving the sector, for example
noting that smaller firms can sometimes innovate more quickly/more cheaply than the
major auto firms; the increased interaction across technologies, up and down supply
chains and between larger and smaller firms. In so doing, it also notes the role of
hybrid firms providing services, plus prototyping/low volume manufacturing (largely in
niche vehicles) and the transferability of these competences across industrial
sectors. Secondly, it points to the role of historic (and relatively immobile)
investments in the region, for example the past/ongoing importance of established
mass producers, the depth of skills and experience in suppliers and in the local
workforce; and cross-overs with the overlapping motorsport cluster. Finally, it
stresses the role of public-private sector cooperation, such as: the establishment of
the Automotive Council UK and its work in developing technology roadmaps,
informing regulation, and supporting development of the UK supply chain (a type of
industrial policy as a discovery process and in line with ‘smart specialisation’
principles); the R&D funding programmes developed with industry input; and the
earlier role of the Regional Development Agency. Overall, it points to the possibilities
of building smart specialisation strategies and industrial policies which are aligned
with ‘high-road strategies’."
Keywords
Innovaciones tecnológicas -- Aspectos económicos, Política industrial