Title: Learning from past investment incidents in peripheral regions: semiconductors in Patras, Greece

Authors: Constantinos N. Antonopoulos, Vagelis G. Papadakis

Addresses: Patras Science Park, T. Karahaliou 20, GR-26331, Patras, Greece; University of Manchester, Geography SED, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK. ' Department of Environmental and Natural Resources Management, University of Ioannina, Seferi 2, GR-30100, Agrinio, Greece

Abstract: This paper on recent investment incidents (Atmel) in the semiconductor industry at Patras, Greece, contributes to an understanding of historically grounded cross-regional, multiscalar economic development dynamics and contingencies. The paper articulates this by: a) exemplifying the role of FDI in cross-regional knowledge based innovation networks; b) presenting a case of transatlantic investment flows and global business operations and multi-locational division of labour; c) focusing on a particular section of the ICT industries, which according to the literature showed long time propensity to organise in global production networks; d) bringing into this discussion the role of nationality, public-private R&D links and national-regional policy contexts. In discussing the recent post-(dis)investment history, the article also presents evidence of increasing momentum towards realising |regional assets|, initiated by historical and path-dependent development of regional knowledge institutions strengthened by previous investment episodes and the ensuing socio-institutional learning of the involved regional research and entrepreneurial community.

Keywords: disinvestment decisions; semiconductor industry; investment incidents; lessons; Greece; regional development; economic development; knowledge based innovation networks; transatlantic investment flows; global business; multi-locational division of labour; globalisation; nationality; public-private R&D links; national-regional policy; research and development; socio-institutional learning; entrepreneurship; FDI; foreign direct investment.

DOI: 10.1504/IJIRD.2011.040533

International Journal of Innovation and Regional Development, 2011 Vol.3 No.3/4, pp.417 - 440

Published online: 29 Nov 2014 *

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