This paper proposes a conceptual framework on knowledge accumulation and depletion in industrial districts (IDs). The framework introduces three types of endogenous cognitive processes, namely learning, forgetting and unlearning, affected by internal and external dynamics. Such processes determine the reconfiguration of the ID cognitive structure based on the expansion and contraction of local knowledge. We apply the framework to three empirical cases: The Stoke-on-Trent ceramic ID, the Prato textile ID and the Macerata-Fermo footwear IDs. The empirical analysis describes the reconfiguration of the ID cognitive structure in relation to different cross-boundary relations, such as the introduction of a new policy, technological change and internationalisation. The results inform us that the contraction of some productive specialisations through forgetting may not be just the prelude of decline, but rather a condition fostering the exploration of new learning opportunities within paths of manufacturing recovery.

Learning, unlearning and forgetting processes in industrial districts / Bellandi, M.; Santini, E.; Vecciolini, Claudia. - In: CAMBRIDGE JOURNAL OF ECONOMICS. - ISSN 0309-166X. - 42:6(2018), pp. 1671-1685. [10.1093/cje/bey032]

Learning, unlearning and forgetting processes in industrial districts

Santini E.;Vecciolini, Claudia
2018-01-01

Abstract

This paper proposes a conceptual framework on knowledge accumulation and depletion in industrial districts (IDs). The framework introduces three types of endogenous cognitive processes, namely learning, forgetting and unlearning, affected by internal and external dynamics. Such processes determine the reconfiguration of the ID cognitive structure based on the expansion and contraction of local knowledge. We apply the framework to three empirical cases: The Stoke-on-Trent ceramic ID, the Prato textile ID and the Macerata-Fermo footwear IDs. The empirical analysis describes the reconfiguration of the ID cognitive structure in relation to different cross-boundary relations, such as the introduction of a new policy, technological change and internationalisation. The results inform us that the contraction of some productive specialisations through forgetting may not be just the prelude of decline, but rather a condition fostering the exploration of new learning opportunities within paths of manufacturing recovery.
2018
6
Bellandi, M.; Santini, E.; Vecciolini, Claudia
Learning, unlearning and forgetting processes in industrial districts / Bellandi, M.; Santini, E.; Vecciolini, Claudia. - In: CAMBRIDGE JOURNAL OF ECONOMICS. - ISSN 0309-166X. - 42:6(2018), pp. 1671-1685. [10.1093/cje/bey032]
File in questo prodotto:
File Dimensione Formato  
BellandiSantiniVeccioliniCJE2018.pdf

Solo gestori archivio

Tipologia: Post-print referato (Refereed author’s manuscript)
Licenza: Tutti i diritti riservati (All rights reserved)
Dimensione 237.05 kB
Formato Adobe PDF
237.05 kB Adobe PDF   Visualizza/Apri

I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione

Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/11572/239408
Citazioni
  • ???jsp.display-item.citation.pmc??? ND
  • Scopus 22
  • ???jsp.display-item.citation.isi??? 19
social impact