Embeddedness in Cluster Knowledge Networks, the Moderating Role of Network Competence. The Case Study of the Romanian Wine Cluster of Muntenia-Oltenia

Abstract

[EN] This paper contributes to research on industrial clusters by analysing the relationship between embeddedness in cluster knowledge networks, network competence and innovation. The data analysed are drawn from 42 wineries from the wine cluster of Muntenia-Oltenia, one of the most appreciated wine regions in Romania. The results show that embeddedness is positively related to innovation in cluster firms, confirming previous studies in clusters. However, the most remarkable result is that network competence will moderate the nature of the relationship, highlighting the individual ability of firms to exploit the resources offered by the cluster. These results support the conclusion that firms must be aware that being properly embedded in clusters will allow them to obtain resources not available outside the cluster. Nevertheless, this is not only a question of ubiquity, but also of management skills. This represents a challenge, since the whole firm has to be managed towards a network-oriented culture change.