Knowledge and innovation in the interface between the steel and automotive industries: The case of Dofasco

Warrian, P. and Mulhern, C. (2005) Knowledge and innovation in the interface between the steel and automotive industries: the case of Dofasco, Regional Studies 39 , 161-170. The key motivation behind innovation in the steel industry has been the revolution in vehicle manufacturing, as automotive steel represents the largest source of revenue for integrated mills. The paper examines in a comparative context the innovative practices of North America's most profitable integrated automotive steel producer, Dofasco Inc. It seeks to elucidate conclusions from previous work on knowledge derived from participation in global learning networks. The authors claim that Dofasco is a commercialization-stage innovator. It adds value to a product or process as it meets the market, but does not significantly contribute to fundamental and applied scientific research in automotive steel production. The geographic sphere in which most of Dofasco's customer-oriented innovation occurs is in a regional system of innovation, specifically the automotive parts and assembly hub of south-western Ontario and Michigan.