This study aims to systematically identify the perceived barriers to family business succession among urban micro-manufacturers—key actors sustaining local manufacturing bases and community-oriented industrial ecosystems—and to analyze how these b...
This study aims to systematically identify the perceived barriers to family business succession among urban micro-manufacturers—key actors sustaining local manufacturing bases and community-oriented industrial ecosystems—and to analyze how these barriers influence succession intention. By doing so, the study seeks to derive policy and practical implications for fostering a sustainable ecosystem for urban micro-manufacturers and strengthening succession support mechanisms.
Data were collected through an online survey using convenience sampling targeting urban micro-manufacturers, yielding a total of 342 valid responses. The collected data were analyzed using frequency analysis, exploratory factor analysis(EFA), and reliability analysis, followed by confirmatory factor analysis(CFA) to ensure the validity and reliability of the measurement instruments. Finally, binary logistic regression analysis was conducted to examine the effects of succession barriers on succession intention and to assess the relative influence and statistical significance of key factors.
The results can be summarized as follows.
First, five dimensions of succession barriers were identified: successor-related factors, business environment, institutional and policy factors, technology transfer, and intra-family conflict.
Second, successor-related factors, business environment, institutional and policy factors, and technology transfer were found to have significant negative effects on succession intention, whereas intra-family conflict had no significant effect.
Third, successor-related factors exerted the strongest negative influence on succession intention, indicating that the qualitative attributes and preparedness of successors constitute the most critical drivers in succession decision-making.
Fourth, technology transfer emerged as the second most influential negative factor, highlighting that the difficulty of transferring artisanal skills and tacit know-how represents a core and structural challenge in the succession process of urban micro-manufacturers.
Fifth, intra-family conflict did not show a statistically significant effect, suggesting that succession decisions are shaped more by practical and objective conditions—such as successor competence, feasibility of technology transfer, and the sustainability of the business environment—than by internal family dynamics.