Innovation performance in the periphery: the case of mechanical and electrical engineering

This paper concerns the innovation performance of peripheral mechanical and electrical engineering establishments. The results of a major survey demonstrate that, although lagging the traditional industrial heartland, the performance of parts of the periphery is similar to many of the core regions. Detailed interviews with engineering establishments reveal differences between peripheral and non-peripheral establishments in product development strategy, level of technical resource and supplier involvement in the development process. Some Scottish case studies illustrate these findings.