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The Evolution Dynamic of a Cluster Knowledge Network: the Role of Firms' Absorptive Capacity

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Abstract

The research provides an empirical assessment of the evolution dynamics of a cluster knowledge network and investigates the role of clustered firms' absorptive capacity in shaping the knowledge network in time and space. In the study, emphasis is put on the empirical analysis through the use of data on patent citations, needed to define the structure of knowledge flows into the cluster. Moreover, Simulation Investigation for Empirical Network Analysis is used to estimate the evolution models of networks.

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Notes

  1. “More and more researchers get convinced that networks are an appropriate conceptualization of inter-organizational interaction and knowledge flows” (Ter Wal and Boschma 2011).

  2. Moreover, “Further research is needed on how the structure of networks evolves over time and space and, particularly, how the evolution of networks is related to the evolution of clusters” (Ter Wal and Boschma 2011, citing Iammarino and McCann 2006).

  3. www.osservatoriodistretti.org

  4. Assopiastrelle, Indagine Statistica Nazionale, various years

  5. ACIMAC, Indagine Statistica Nazionale, various years

  6. www.confindustriaceramica.it

  7. www.acimac.it

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Science and Technology Park of Sicily, Catania, Italy

    M. Nicotra

  2. University of Catania, Catania, Italy

    M. Romano

  3. Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy

    M. Del Giudice

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  1. M. Nicotra
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  2. M. Romano
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  3. M. Del Giudice
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Correspondence to M. Del Giudice.

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Nicotra, M., Romano, M. & Del Giudice, M. The Evolution Dynamic of a Cluster Knowledge Network: the Role of Firms' Absorptive Capacity. J Knowl Econ 5, 70–93 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13132-012-0140-5

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