An exploration of the influence of local knowledge on industry sustainability towards regional sustainable development: a case study of the fishing industry in the Eyre Peninsula region

Abstract

This thesis explores how local knowledge influences industry sustainability towards regional sustainable development. The rationale behind this research begins with the observation that despite the plethora of studies on knowledge management, our understanding of how it influences the longevity of an industry in a way that supports sustainable development of regions is inadequate in the management literature. This research explores these issues by investigating the fishing industry in the Eyre Peninsula region. This investigation is worthy because there is currently no documentation of how knowledge affects sustainability of this industry in a way that supports social, economic and environmental wellbeing of the region. The purpose of this research is to provide in-depth understanding of how knowledge embedded and situated within industry influences its sustainability and supports regional sustainable development. This was achieved by using interpretive qualitative case study design, and embedded analysis of 54 interviews with main actors across the fishing industry. The findings revealed that the kinds of local knowledge that influence industry sustainability are generational, institutional, collective, professional, scientific, technological and industrial. This knowledge is acquired through multiple learning processes such as on-the-job learning, experience, experiments, formal education, social networks and observations. Knowledge was largely contributed through social processes such as industry associations, meetings and discussions, conferences, seminars and workshops, networks and cross-fertilisation, social interaction and relationships, cooperation and collaboration and informal conversations. The findings demonstrated that local knowledge affects industry sustainability by influencing strategic priorities, organisational actions and commercial activities. The findings showed that the sustainability of the industry can contribute to environmental integrity, social equity and economic prosperity of the Eyre Peninsula region. This study makes a theoretical contribution to existing literature by developing a local knowledge-based view of industry sustainability. In doing so this has linked knowledge management and industry sustainability literature. This study has advanced a social perspective on industry sustainability by showing that pathways to industry sustainability are a socio-dynamic process of knowledge acquisition, contribution and application. The study has provided an institutional perspective on industry sustainability by illustrating that different institutions affect industry sustainability. The study has developed an industry-based view of regional sustainability by demonstrating that a sustainable industry can sustain a region. The findings of this study have practical implications for industry managers and policymakers. They suggest that industry managers could advance knowledge management activities by improving the quality of social processes. Policymakers could assess how normative, regulative and cognitive aspects of their institutional arrangements influence sustainability of the fishing industry. Though these institutions and their arrangements constitute an important source of knowledge and exert pressure, their impacts on sustaining the long-term future of the region and its fishing industry must be properly gauged.