Paradoxically, the ongoing process of globalisation goes hand in hand with a surge of interest in the ‘local’ sources of firm competitiveness. In this paper, we develop a frame of analysis that helps to understand ‘coupling’ of production networks and regional development. Our aim is to reflect on the ‘spatiality’ of different types of networks, and to study the dynamic coupling process between these networks and regional assets. We apply the framework to two case studies – shipbuilding in Turku and machine building in Porto. Our analysis points towards the relevance of regional assets facilitating this coupling process and in strengthening regions as magnets for global production networks, reinforcing the long term sustainability of different types of clusters.

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Erasmus MC: University Medical Center Rotterdam
hdl.handle.net/1765/12491
2nd International Seminar on Regional Innovation Policies
Erasmus School of Economics

da Costa Monteiro de Carvalho, L., & van Winden, W. (2007). Coupling production networks and regional assets in manufacturing clusters. Presented at the 2nd International Seminar on Regional Innovation Policies. Retrieved from http://hdl.handle.net/1765/12491