Title: Catching up in the global wine industry: innovation systems, cluster knowledge networks and firm-level capabilities in Italy and Chile

Authors: Martin Bell, Elisa Giuliani

Addresses: SPRU, University of Sussex, Freeman Centre, Falmer, Brighton, East Sussex BN1 9QE, UK. ' DEA, Facolta di Economia, University of Pisa, Via Ridolfi 10, 56124 Pisa, Italy; SPRU, University of Sussex, Freeman Centre, Falmer, Brighton, East Sussex BN1 9QE, UK

Abstract: This paper is about technological learning in wine producing clusters in Italy and Chile. It raises questions about policy measures to strengthen knowledge-centred interactions in cluster innovation systems. It shows that strong intra-cluster networks cannot be assumed to exist simply because firms share geographically bounded locations. Instead, networks are shaped by the firms| knowledge resources. Second, the effectiveness of knowledge transfer links from PRTOs to cluster firms depends heavily on characteristics of the intra-cluster knowledge network, in particular on the extent to which the firms are connected within the cluster via gatekeeper and broker roles. Implications for policy are noted.

Keywords: innovation systems; clusters; public research organisations; technology organisations; PRTOs; wine industry; technological learning; wine clusters; Italy; Chile; knowledge networks; firm-level capabilities; knowledge transfer.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTG.2007.014333

International Journal of Technology and Globalisation, 2007 Vol.3 No.2/3, pp.197 - 223

Published online: 02 Jul 2007 *

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