Evolution of Juarez’s metalworking industry and knowledge acquisition

Abstract

This article examines the recent evolution of the Juarez metalworking industry, which has been characterized by the knowledge application in its production processes. It dives into the identification and characterization of business social networks from a sociocentric approach. The results presented form part of a research product that reveals a system of interactions between participating companies in relation to access sources and knowledge acquisition in an interactive learning process. The study identifies a diversity of leading agents, among which are clients, industry suppliers and local consolidated companies.

Keywords

• interorganizational network
• interactive learning
• learning communities
• strategic groups
• acquisition of external knowledge