Industrial Cluster and Competitive Advantage of Micro-Firms: Insight from Wood Industry in Ghana
Authors: Daniel M. Quaye, Isaac Mensah.
Issue: 2017, Vol. 3
Abstract
The extent of association and complementarity in improving competitive advantage of industrial cluster cannot be underestimated. This paper explored the competitive advantage of micro-firms in a cluster on the basis that firms in a cluster derive essential benefits that those outside do not enjoy. The paper proposed that factors of product, horizontal networking and innovation increase competitive advantage. Based on a convenient sample of 249 wood operators in a cluster (Ayifua Wood Village) our result supports that horizontal networking and innovation enhances competitive advantage, while access to factors of production was not supported. The paper concludes and recommends that micro-firms in a cluster must “unlearn” their idiosyncratic approach to business, open-up, share information, knowledge and develop strong networks in the cluster to bolster their competitive edge. The paper contributes to literature by adopting competitive advantage as a composite measure, contrary to what exist in previous studies.
Keywords: industrial cluster, competitive advantage, micro-firms, wood industry, Ghana.
To download the article, please click on the PDF file or read on this page below:
Authors: Daniel M. Quaye, Isaac Mensah.
Issue: 2017, Vol. 3
Abstract
The extent of association and complementarity in improving competitive advantage of industrial cluster cannot be underestimated. This paper explored the competitive advantage of micro-firms in a cluster on the basis that firms in a cluster derive essential benefits that those outside do not enjoy. The paper proposed that factors of product, horizontal networking and innovation increase competitive advantage. Based on a convenient sample of 249 wood operators in a cluster (Ayifua Wood Village) our result supports that horizontal networking and innovation enhances competitive advantage, while access to factors of production was not supported. The paper concludes and recommends that micro-firms in a cluster must “unlearn” their idiosyncratic approach to business, open-up, share information, knowledge and develop strong networks in the cluster to bolster their competitive edge. The paper contributes to literature by adopting competitive advantage as a composite measure, contrary to what exist in previous studies.
Keywords: industrial cluster, competitive advantage, micro-firms, wood industry, Ghana.
To download the article, please click on the PDF file or read on this page below:
| Industrial Cluster and Competitive Advantage of Micro-Firms Insight from Wood Industry in Ghana by Daniel M. Quaye and Isaac Mensah |
