Field configuration or field reproduction?

Abstract

This paper builds on discussions about field-configuring events (FCEs) and cyclical/temporary clusters by investigating the role of trade fairs in structuring processes of knowledge creation in an industry or technology field. It argues that while fundamental field-configuring activities, such as shifts in technological trajectories, are not typically associated with trade fairs, these events play an important role in field reproduction through decentralized processes of knowledge exchange and learning, supported by the global cycles of events. Yet, knowledge flows across different events are rarely as continuous and fluid as in an ideal-type cyclical cluster context. Despite some overlap in their goals and audiences, different trade fairs generally serve different functions and are characterized by diverse knowledge practices. This is illustrated through an empirical analysis of the global trade fair cycle of the lighting industry, which is based on semi-structured interviews and systematic observations conducted at three international/national trade fairs: LightFair International (USA), IIDEX/NeoCon Canada and Light + Building (Germany). From this, we suggest that most trade fairs establish a permanent middle-ground between, but quite distant from, the extreme ideal-types of discrete field-configuration and continuous knowledge circulation.