Template-type: ReDIF-Paper 1.0
Author-Name: Oyelaran-Oyeyinka, Banji
Author-Email: oyeyinka@intech.unu.edu
Author-Workplace-Name: United Nations University, Institute for New Technologies
Title: Networks and Linkages in African Manufacturing Cluster: A Nigerian Case Study
Abstract: Employing survey data, this paper investigates the basis for long-term 
	 sustainable development of industrial clusters in Lagos, Nigeria. We compare these
	 metropolitan clusters with the Nnewi cluster, located within a rural setting in a
	 homogeneous ethnic community. The characteristics of clustering examined are: the
	 forms and intensity of inter-firm linkages, including the formation of trade
	 networks, and the role of business associations. We found a significant level of
	 collaboration among firms in sharing utilities and modest forms of subcontracting
	 non-core activities among Lagos firms, but this is less so at Nnewi. The Lagos
	 clusters have relatively high proportions of educated manpower but this important
	 asset is underemployed in a situation of low grow rate of demand for quality
	 products. The firms at Nnewi on the other hand are owned by seem-illiterates who
	 came from trading backgrounds into manufacturing. Networks such as Industry
	 associations are playing vital roles as information providers and as links into the
	 global market although the benefits are yet to fully manifest. Ethnic and kinship
	 ties play a prominent role at Nnewi while social networks and non-family ties are
	 more important in the Lagos clusters. This study suggests that non-economic factors
	 exert profound influence on the evolving forms industrial organisations in late
	 industrialisation
Keywords: Industrial Clusters, Sustainable Development, Networks, Non-economic Factors,
	 Nigeria
Series: Discussion Paper
Creation-Date: 2001
Number: 2001-05
File-URL: https://www.merit.unu.edu/publications/discussion-papers/2001-5.pdf
File-Format: application/pdf
File-Size: 297 Kb
Handle: RePEc:unm:unuint:200105