Journalartikel

Jahr der Veröffentlichung: 2000

Seiten: 220-233

Zeitschrift: Geographical Journal

Bandnummer: 88

Heftnummer: 3-4

ISSN: 0016-7479

Verlag: Franz Steiner Verlag

Abstract: 
The German packaging machine industry forms an export-oriented, small to medium-sized industry, whose mode of production is primarily based on crafts. The locations of these companies are not evenly distributed over Germany, but heavily concentrated in several areas. The aim of this paper is to explain the emergence of this spatial clustering of the packaging machine industry. Taking the concept of "Windows of Locational Opportunity" by Storper/Walker (1989) as a starting-point, the paper tries to extend dynamic-evolutionary approaches by analysing the paths of formation and development of individual companies. For this purpose, comprehensive surveys in the form of systematic interviews of experts were used in the main regions of the packaging machine industry. The results show that local spin-offs in particular have contributed to the spatial concentration of the packaging machine industry. The fundamental characteristic of a spin-off is that people who establish their own business make use of the knowledge that they have gained while working in previous capacities. On the basis of empirical findings the ways in which the spatial branch clusters in the main regions emerged are highlighted. Finally, the essential requirements for as well as the characteristics and the causes of local spin-offs in the packaging machine industry are illustrated.

Harvard-Zitierstil: Mossig, I. (2000) Local spin-offs as causes for spatial branch clusters. A case study of the German packaging machine industry, Geographical Journal, 88(3-4), pp. 220-233

APA-Zitierstil: Mossig, I. (2000). Local spin-offs as causes for spatial branch clusters. A case study of the German packaging machine industry. Geographical Journal. 88(3-4), 220-233.