Events as Spaces for Upgrading: Automotive Events in Shanghai

34 Pages Posted: 11 Sep 2014 Last revised: 15 Aug 2015

See all articles by Erwin van Tuijl

Erwin van Tuijl

Erasmus University Rotterdam (EUR)

Koen Dittrich

Erasmus University Rotterdam (EUR) - Department of Technology and Operations Management

Date Written: September 11, 2014

Abstract

This study contributes to the literature dealing with upgrading of the Chinese automotive industry by analysing the role of events in the upgrading process. By combining literature on temporary clusters with that of knowledge sourcing and upgrading, we investigate how firms use events for upgrading. To do so, we systematically analyse a number of upgrading mechanisms. Moreover we analyse how event organisers can influence these mechanisms, and identify a number of barriers that may hinder the process of upgrading during events. Our empirical study of two automotive events in Shanghai reveals that firms use events particularly for monitoring, to access global buzz, and for the development of new global pipelines. Mobility turned to be less relevant. Event organisers act as ‘temporary cluster managers’, and influence upgrading via three types of policies: content policy, matchmaking policy and access policy. Identified barriers include defensive strategies of exhibitors, a focus on trade, and the large size of the show. These barriers hinder monitoring and access to global buzz and pipelines in particular.

Keywords: Temporary clusters, upgrading, automotive events, Shanghai

Suggested Citation

Tuijl, Erwin van and Dittrich, Koen, Events as Spaces for Upgrading: Automotive Events in Shanghai (September 11, 2014). ERIM Report Series Reference No. ERS-2014-013-LIS, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2495162 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.2495162

Erwin van Tuijl (Contact Author)

Erasmus University Rotterdam (EUR) ( email )

3000 DR Rotterdam
Zuid-Holland
Netherlands

Koen Dittrich

Erasmus University Rotterdam (EUR) - Department of Technology and Operations Management ( email )

RSM Erasmus University
PO Box 1738
3000 DR Rotterdam
Netherlands
+31 10 408 2597 (Phone)
+31 10 408 9014 (Fax)

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