Globalization and modes of interaction in two sub-sectors in Ireland

This paper begins with a brief discussion of Ireland's recent economic success, focusing on aspects of industrial structure. A theoretical framework is then developed to facilitate comparisons between sub-sectors. Globalization and localization, industries and markets, and interactions among firms are the three main constituents of this framework. Two particular sub-sectors are chosen for examination: the wooden furniture industry in County Monaghan and the software manual printing industry in Dublin. We show that the first, as an industrial district, has both vertical and horizontal links among firms, is a local industry and has limited market internationalization; the second, based largely on preferred supplier relationships with subsidiaries of the software multinationals, is dominated by vertical relationships, is also in some respects a local industry, and its product reaches a much more global market.