Network structure in a local innovation system in mature industries. An empirical case study

Abstract

This paper aims to explore the local innovation system's network structure in mature industries and in an emerging economy, by taking empirical evidence from the transport and logistics innovation system in the Campania region (South of Italy). The social network analysis conducted on R&D alliances among a heterogeneous sample of organisations revealed that the Campania LIS in transport and logistics is characterised by a closed network, where brokering positions are mostly undertaken by academic institutions, which is in line with the studies arguing that a closure structure better sustains the conduct of innovation activities.