Production Districts and Their Relevance in the Italian Economy: A Few Analytical Profiles

Abstract

This chapter analyzes the role of Italian Industrial Districts (IDs) at the national and international level and proposes a new updated map of the main Italian districts and their “Made in Italy” specializations. Italy is characterized by a very significant number of IDs that are of extraordinary relevance to the Italian economy in terms of direct and indirect employment and play a preeminent role in international trade both in large sectors (furniture, textiles-wearing apparel, footwear, etc.) as well as in many market niches (for example: buttons, scissors, wine making equipment, rubber seals, bicycle saddles and seats, etc.). An overview is provided of the following features: (1) key characteristics of the Italian productive system, i.e. the role of SMEs, the importance of Industrial Districts and the Italian industry’s main sectors of specialization; (2) main classification systems of Italian Industrial Districts, proposed by various sources, and the relevance of IDs in terms of employment; (3) the importance of Industrial Districts for Italian exports and their share of global trade; and finally, (4) the strengths and challenges of Italian districts at the beginning of the XXI century. Italian Industrial Districts undoubtedly remain a vital element for strengthening the competitiveness of the Italian manufacturing system.