Internationalisation and relocation of subcontractor networks in the wind turbine industry - what are the consequences for the future innovativeness of the Danish wind turbine industry?
The project identified a need for formalised cooperation between the sub-contractors not least with a view to developing integrated system solutions.
Denmark is intemationally competitive knowledge hub for wind technology, employing more than 20,000 persons. Several studies have pointed out, that this inter-firm or regional competence is vested in the interaction between local business, government, universities and a variety of other actors, comprising what has been labelled an experimental learning space. In particular, a fine-grained division of labour among subcontractors, acting as co-developers to final assemblers of wind turbines has been decisive to this position. The knowledge rooted in the interaction between these firms and the exchange mechanisms enforcing a continuous renewal of knowledge has been decisive for the competitive position of the industry. However, as the conditions for competition becomes increasingly global with more production activities located abroad and increasing MNC investments, the locality of these activities is challenged. The purpose of this study is to investigate the consequences of increased globalisation for the exchange of information among subcontractors. Using social network analysis we cart graph the linkages between the approximately 100 Danish subcontractors within the wind turbine industry. From this study we identify centrality measures and interaction patterns among the subcontractors. Based on this it is possible to establish an informed viewpoint regarding the potential future threats from globalisation to the Danish wind turbine industry
On the basis of qualitative interviews and a quantitative questionnaire survey, the project identified the impact of sub-contractors on the innovative capabilities of the Danish wind turbine industry. Many of the sub-contractors were critical towards the innovative capabilities and international market position of the manufacturers. The sub-contractors are part of the industry’s internationalisation process and are increasingly supplying international manufacturers as well. The project identified a need for formalised cooperation between the sub-contractors not least with a view to developing integrated system solutions.
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