Human capital in the industrial districts

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Molina-Morales, F. Xavier

Affiliations: Jaume I University of Castellón, Department of Business Administration & Marketing, Campus Riu Sec, 12080 Castellón, Spain, Tel.: + 964 281266; Fax: + 964 345733; E-mail: molina@emp.uji.es

Abstract: This paper focuses on the creation of human capital in the industrial districts. I argue that the recent firm strategy perspectives may explain regional (district) differences. In this context human resources are critical to creation and dissemination of the knowledge-based resources. I further distinguish between the degree of control and ownership of resources and transferable and non-transferable human capital. Using this conceptual framework I analyze industrial district addressable non-transferable resources. This paper suggests that firms should take on a more active role in creating and exploiting local addressable human resources. The paper ends by describing an illustrative example: the Spanish ceramic tile industry.

Keywords: Industrial district, human capital, knowledge-based resources, addressable resources

DOI: 10.3233/HSM-2001-20405

Journal: Human Systems Management, vol. 20, no. 4, pp. 319-331, 2001