# Disruptive Innovation in Traditional Clusters:
## 1 Introduction  
Some of the works in the academic literature on this topic have outlined the industrial specialized approach of clusters versus the wider approach of regional innovation systems [1; 2]. Firms in regional clusters exploit both place-specific local resources as well as external, world-class knowledge to strengthen their competitiveness by expanding the influence of regional systems of innovation [3]. The local \"buzz\" that clusters can create is also analyzed in order to understand cluster competitiveness and sustainability [4]. Clusters are also genuine \"open innovation\" spaces where knowledge creation and diffusion becomes stronger. Nevertheless, some of the literature has also pointed out how specialized knowledge circulation seems to be limited to certain communities within clusters as a result of the specialization of suppliers and actors [5]. [PERSON] and [PERSON] [6] have posited how clusters can develop learning dynamics though two alternative mechanisms: by exploiting local cluster knowledge or exploring and acquiring knowledge from external and distant agents.  
In general, academic literature has associated clusters with incremental innovation [1; 5; 7; 8], especially innovation related to traditional industries [9; 10]. However, recent research concluded that clusters can provide a suitable environment for radical innovations [11]. Thus, there is a gap in relationto the outcome of breakthrough technology and radical innovation in clusters. We need to ask if this is really possible, or whether it is, in fact, due to the effects of serendipity.  
The object of this paper is to analyze the determinants of disruptive technology (or radical innovation) development in low- and medium-tec or mature industries within a cluster context. We leave the study of clusters' features to others and focus on a fertile cross-field study of clusters as frameworks that support and foster rapid breakthroughs, creation, and diffusion.  
There are several research questions that our research will try to answer: Is it possible for a traditional industry based on a cluster to evolve radically? How is change induced--internally or externally? Which type of knowledge between tacit and explicit is predominant? How can disruptive innovation develop within a cluster? Who are the change promoting agents? Which barriers must be overcome and are there facilitating factors within the industry context that play an essential role?  
The case of the development of digital printing technology has been analyzed, a global breakthrough event in the decoration phases of the ceramic tile process that has taken place in the Spanish ceramic tile cluster.  
The paper will consist of an analysis of the development of digital printing and decorating technology, a global breakthrough in the decoration phase of the ceramic tile process that took place in the Spanish ceramic tile cluster between 2000 and 2010. Key factors will be examined, such as the evolution of the technology, the demands of the market, customer orientation, globalization and technology diffusion, and competitiveness from other industries. There will also be an analysis of how internal clusters and external networking facilitated the development of sophisticated digital technology, despite the existence of a predominant mechanical culture, a low level of training in information technology, and the maturity of the industry. There is also an investigation of the effects of the disruptive technology paradigm. This approach has been advantageous in explaining the evolution of this technology diffusion, which has overcome the inhibiting cluster barriers affecting the ceramic tile industry worldwide.  
The paper begins with a description of the research methodology, and then introduces the reader to the context of the European ceramic tile industry. It follows with an analysis of the theory related to clusters and disruptive innovation. A case study is then analyzed. The paper concludes by discussing the findings and their implications.