Regional Knowledge Intensity and the Handicrafts Firm’s Performance: The Competitiveness Advantage of Cultural Resource Heterogeneity

Regional Knowledge Intensity and the Handicrafts Firm’s Performance: The Competitiveness Advantage of Cultural Resource Heterogeneity

Title

Regional Knowledge Intensity and the Handicrafts Firm’s Performance: The Competitiveness Advantage of Cultural Resource Heterogeneity

Authors

  • Yun-Zhong Wang (Corresponding Author)
    Assistant Professor, Center for Design & Culture Research, Department of Design, Hubei Institute of Fine Arts, P. R. China
  • Chao Luo
    Associate Professor, School of Visual Arts Design, Hubei Institute of Fine Arts, P. R. China

Abstract

In the context of High-quality cultural industry development, the revival of traditional handicrafts and their clustering not only invigorates the cultural market but also reflects the effectiveness of cultural consumption intentions in stimulating firm performance. This research focuses on the cultural and creative market, analyzing the scarcity of cultural resources and the comparative advantages across knowledge-intensive regions from a resource-based perspective. It further examines how cultural and creative derivatives based on traditional handicrafts generate perceived cultural value, and how the development of cultural infrastructure—both high-intensive and low-intensive—enhances cultural consumption intentions, activates market resources, and strengthens industry competitiveness. Using panel data from 31 provinces and municipalities in China from 2015 to 2021, this study investigates the impact of perceived value of cultural resources, innovation capability of cultural and creative design, and the intensity of cultural infrastructure construction on the performance of handicrafts firms. The findings aim to provide pathways for leveraging traditional crafts, including new growth drivers, overcoming urban-rural disparities, and building culture-driven business models in the cultural and creative industry.

Keywords

RBV Theory; Handicrafts Firms; Cultural Creative Market; Firm Performance.

How to Cite

Wang, Y.-Z., & Luo, C. (2022). Regional Knowledge Intensity and the Handicrafts Firm’s Performance: The Competitiveness Advantage of Cultural Resource Heterogeneity. The International Journal of Finance, 34(1), 64-89.