Beyond Apprenticeship: Knowledge Brokers and Sustainability of Apprentice-Based Clusters
Abstract
:1. Introduction
2. Literature Review
2.1. Learning System of ABCs
2.2. Main Body and Functions of Knowledge Brokers
3. Empirical Context and Methodology
3.1. Study Area
3.2. Methodology
3.3. Knowledge of the AFM Cluster
4. Development Path of Knowledge Learning in the AFM Clusters in Xianyou
4.1. Phase I: Indigenous Creation and Kinship-Based Learning Systems
4.1.1. Kinship as a Facilitating Channel for Initial Knowledge Learning
4.1.2. Limits in Apprentice-Based Learning System of the AFM Clusters
4.2. Phase II: Local Government as a Knowledge Broker Taking Place “Back Stage”
4.2.1. Intensifying the Linkage between the Locale and the External
4.2.2. Temporary Cluster and Trans-Local Learning
4.3. Phase III: Focal Outsiders Revive the Knowledge System
4.3.1. Kinship Based Learning System Broken by New Investors
4.3.2. Focal outsiders Play as Knowledge Brokers
4.3.3. Transformation of Traditional AFM Firms
5. Discussion and Conclusions
Acknowledgments
Author Contributions
Conflicts of Interest
References
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Staff Size | No. | Location | No. | Registered Years | No. |
≥301 | 3 | Jiaowei | 6 | ≥10 | 5 |
101–300 | 6 | Duwei | 7 | 5–10 | 10 |
21–100 | 13 | Daji | 10 | 3–5 | 19 |
≤20 | 22 | Shima | 4 | <3 | 10 |
Bangtou | 17 | ||||
Sales Modes | No. | Targeted Market | No. | Production Mode | No. |
Self-operating marketing channels | 24 | Local | 14 | Traditional hand-made | 19 |
Professional sales agencies | 8 | First tier cities | 9 | Modern large-scale prodution | 9 |
Depending on local other AFM firms | 10 | All over the country | 21 | Transitional production | 16 |
others | 2 |
Process | Skills and Knowledge | Skill Structure of Apprentices | Learning Time |
---|---|---|---|
1. Raw material preparation | of selecting raw materials (including choice of wood) | Mostly MA, some SMA | At least two or three years |
2. Wood repair | of cracking off, repairing defective/cracked timber by filling with pieces cut to fit the size, color, and pattern of the defect | Mostly MA | At least two or three years |
3. Carving | of cutting raw materials into the rough shape of each component | MA only | At least three years |
4. Mechanical processing | of extending the pattern | Mostly FA | Almost half year |
5. Burnishing and polishing | of burnishing and polishing the final piece | Mostly FA | Several weeks |
6. Installing | of combining different parts into one piece | Mostly ML, some SMA and FA | Half a year |
Activity | Year Established | Partner(s) | Purpose/Function | Participants |
---|---|---|---|---|
“Yiding Cup”: live creative Chinese wood-carving competition | 2009, annual | China Arts & Crafts Association, Fujian Arts & Crafts Association, Council of Putian Arts & Crafts Plaza | To promote innovative techniques in the wood-carving industry, communication between related industries, and industrial construction. | In the sixth year (2014), 27 skilled wood carvers from 10 provinces (including Taiwan, Zhejiang, and Guangdong) attended the competition |
China Tour of “Xianzuo” | 2012, irregular | Xianyou government, Fujian Arts & Crafts Association | To adopt a “Xianzuo” marketing model in cooperation with auction companies, to promote the regional brand and to seek a new development model | More than 20 local AFM firms have been involved in these promotional activities in Chengdu, Beijing, Chongqing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Xuzhou, and other large and medium-sized cities. |
International Wood Culture Festival | 2014 | International Wood Culture Society | To set up an interactive platform for research, discussion, exhibition, and communication about wood culture. | More than 400 professional participants and 100,000 visitors from more than 70 countries and regions; more than 5000 pieces of wooden artwork were exhibited. |
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Zhu, H.; Chen, K.W.; Dai, J. Beyond Apprenticeship: Knowledge Brokers and Sustainability of Apprentice-Based Clusters. Sustainability 2016, 8, 1279. https://doi.org/10.3390/su8121279
Zhu H, Chen KW, Dai J. Beyond Apprenticeship: Knowledge Brokers and Sustainability of Apprentice-Based Clusters. Sustainability. 2016; 8(12):1279. https://doi.org/10.3390/su8121279
Chicago/Turabian StyleZhu, Huasheng, Kelly Wanjing Chen, and Juncheng Dai. 2016. "Beyond Apprenticeship: Knowledge Brokers and Sustainability of Apprentice-Based Clusters" Sustainability 8, no. 12: 1279. https://doi.org/10.3390/su8121279
APA StyleZhu, H., Chen, K. W., & Dai, J. (2016). Beyond Apprenticeship: Knowledge Brokers and Sustainability of Apprentice-Based Clusters. Sustainability, 8(12), 1279. https://doi.org/10.3390/su8121279