Tag: complex adaptive systems

SUSTAINABLE REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND COMPLEX ADAPTIVE SYSTEMS: A METHODOLOGICAL PROPOSAL THROUGH SOCIAL NETWORK ANALYSIS

Diego Andrés CARREÑO DUEÑAS

School of Mines, National University of Colombia (Universidad Nacional de Colombia), Medellin, Colombia;  Professor, School of Industrial Management, Pedagogical and Technological University of Colombia (Universidad Pedagógica y Tecnológica de Colombia), Duitama, Colombia.

dicarrenod@unal.edu.co, diego.carreno@uptc.edu.co 

Walter Lugo RUIZ CASTAÑEDA

Professor, Department of Organizational Engineering, School of Mines, National University of Colombia (Universidad Nacional de Colombia), Medellin Colombia.

wlruizca@unal.edu.co

Abstract

The evolution of the main theories that have shaped Sustainable Regional Development (SRD) is traced in this paper, with the progressive incorporation of economic, social, environmental, and institutional dimensions showing how it is configured as a complex phenomenon. Based on this conceptual foundation, the study links the analysis of SRD to the Complex Adaptive Systems (CAS) framework and, within this approach, to Social Network Analysis (SNA) as a tool for modelling interactions among regional stakeholders. Finally, it introduces a correlation between the resulting regional network metrics and the Departmental Innovation Index (IDIC) indicators for Colombia’s regions, offering an alternative perspective for analysing regional disparities.

Keywords: Sustainable Regional Development, Divergence, Complex Adaptive Systems, Social Network Analysis

JEL classification: O20, R11

pp. 85-99

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COMPETITIVE SUCCESS OF INDUSTRIAL DISTRICTS: AN EXPLORATIVE STUDY IN ITALY

Nunzia CARBONARA

DIMEG, Politecnico di Bari, Bari, Viale Japigia, 182, 70126 , Italy. Tel: +390805062720.
nunzia.carbonara@poliba.it
(Corresponding author)

Ilaria GIANNOCCARO

DIMEG, Politecnico di Bari, Bari, Italy

Abstract

The paper conducts an explorative research on the competitive success of the Industrial Districts IDs (GCs), due to their capacity to adapt and evolve to the environment. Our aim is to identify the ID structural features supporting adaptation by using the complexity theory. We consider the IDs as complex adaptive systems (CASs) and identify the ID features on the basis of the main CAS properties that foster adaptation, i.e. interconnectivity, heterogeneity, and control. To formulate the theory linking the values of the ID structural features with the ID competitive success, a multiple case study is carried out. In particular, it is aimed at comparing IDs with different competitive performances in terms of their CAS properties using network theories and measures. Three theoretical propositions are finally derived.

Keywords: Industrial districts, complex adaptive systems, network, complexity science, adaptive capacity

JEL classification:
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