Conflict Between Two Industrial Networks: Technological Adaptation and Inter-firm Relationships in the Ceramics Industry in Seto, Japan

Abstract

IZUSHI H. (1997) Conflict between two industrial networks: technological adaptation and inter-firm relationships in the ceramics industry in Seto, Japan, Reg. Studies 31, 117‐129. An examination of technological adaptation by small and medium sized firms in a Japanese district of traditional ceramics manufacturing, which has moved into high technology applications, reveals contrasting attitudes of the firms toward regional co-operation. Firms were active in forming regional alliances when loosely linked to customer firms outside their district. In contrast, firms did not co-operate with one another when relations with outside customer firms were co-operative ones. The paper suggests that external ties to semi-vertically integrated networks prevailing in Japanese industries endanger the existence of innovative networks in an old industrial region asserted by traditional literature on ‘industrial districts'. IZUSHI H. (1997) Le conflit entre deux réseaux industriels: l'adaptation technologique et les rapports interentreprises au sein de l'industrie de la céramique à Seto, au Japon, Reg. Studies 31, 117-129. Un examen de l'adaptation technologique par les petites et moyennes entreprises situées dans un district japonais de la céramique traditionnelle, qui a développé des applications avancées, laisse voir des opinions contrastées des entreprises envers le partenariat régional. Des entreprises se révélaient prêtes à conclure des alliances régionales quand elles se montraient liée…