Generation and Diffusion of Innovations in a District Innovation System: The Case of Ink-Jet Printing

Yolanda Reig-Otero; Mónica Edwards-Schachter; Carlos Feliú-Mingarro; Ignacio Fernández-de-Lucio

doi:10.4067/S0718-27242014000200005

Authors

Yolanda Reig-Otero Instituto de Tecnología Cerámica (ITC). Campus Universitario de Riu Sec. Avd. Sos Baynat S/N. CP 12006-Castellón de la Plana. TE +34 964-342424 Fax +34 964-342425
Mónica Edwards-Schachter INGENIO (CSIC-UPV)
Carlos Feliú-Mingarro Instituto de Tecnología Cerámica (ITC). Campus Universitario de Riu Sec. Avd. Sos Baynat S/N. CP 12006-Castellón de la Plana. TE +34 964-342424 Fax +34 964-342425
Ignacio Fernández-de-Lucio INGENIO (CSIC-UPV), Universitat Politècnica de València. Ciudad Politécnica de la Innovación, Camino de Vera S/N, Ed. 8E Acceso J, 46022-Valencia, TE 963877007 Fax 963877991

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.4067/S0718-27242014000200005

Keywords:

innovation process, innovation system, industrial district, learning region, ceramic tile industry, ink-jet printing

Abstract

This paper provides an in-depth case study of the ink-jet printing (IJP) technology that emerged from the ceramic industry in a Spanish region (Castellon) in the first decade of 2000. We propose an analytical framework that combines the theoretical perspectives of Industrial Districts and Innovation Systems, and exploit a qualitative methodology that includes information from patent and scientific article databases and 21 in-depth interviews. Our results show that IJP is a major innovation that breaks with the tradition of machinery innovations in this industry in Spain. Micro-level evidences show the complex external and internal relationships in the sharing of knowledge and innovation process, being the role of internal ties, trust, secrecy and strong in-house R&D strategies determinants of the IJP innovation.

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Author Biography

Mónica Edwards-Schachter, INGENIO (CSIC-UPV)

Research Fellow

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