Title: Proximity and knowledge sharing in clustered firms

Authors: Rebecca Mitchell, John Burgess, Jennifer Waterhouse

Addresses: Newcastle Business School, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Newcastle, NSW 2308, Australia. ' Work, Employment Relations and Organisations Research Group, Newcastle Business School, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Newcastle, NSW 2308, Australia. ' Newcastle Business School, University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia

Abstract: The past decade has seen considerable interest in organisational clustering, however, the influence of proximity on knowledge sharing within clusters has remained unexplored. This paper responds to this research gap by theoretically investigating the contribution of different proximity dimensions to knowledge sharing. The aim of this paper is to theoretically investigate the utility of relational and geographic proximity dimensions in understanding the nature of knowledge sharing in clusters. This investigation adds to the existing literature by exploring the mechanisms through which proximity conveys knowledge-related advantage. The output of this process is a framework that categorises the contribution of different proximity dimensions in terms of the knowledge-based value they bestow on clustered organisations.

Keywords: industry clusters; knowledge sharing; proximity; organisational clustering.

DOI: 10.1504/IJGSB.2010.035328

International Journal of Globalisation and Small Business, 2010 Vol.4 No.1, pp.5 - 24

Published online: 21 Sep 2010 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article