Supporting organizations and leading firms: a transition towards social and environmental practices inside clusters

Abstract

ABSTRACT The objective of this research is to understand how new social and environmental practices are introduced and developed in clusters. From an international perspective and based on cluster literature, we propose that leading firms and supporting organizations are the main drivers of these practices. In particular, we work on the hypothesis that firms with solid international experience, innovative capacity and resources, as well as having stable relationships with local organizations, positively affect social and environmental practices within clusters. Empirical evidence gathered on 175 Spanish footwear firms located in clusters obtained in 2018 reveals that firms are the conduit for incorporating new social and environmental practices in traditional clusters. This is particularly true of larger, highly internationalized firms or those of more recent creation. Contrary to our expectations, the role of innovation capacity and local supporting organizations has not been endorsed. Finally, policy and managerial implications for the local dissemination of social and environmental practices are presented.