Evolution and relocation in fashion-led Italian districts: evidence from two case-studies

Authors: Sammarra, Alessia¹; Belussi, Fiorenza²

Source: Entrepreneurship and Regional Development, Volume 18, Number 6, November 2006 , pp. 543-562(20)

Publisher: Routledge, part of the Taylor & Francis Group

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Abstract:

<p>The aim of this paper is to contribute to the debate about how, in advanced countries, industrial districts specialised in traditional manufacturing industries evolve as a consequence of new challenges linked to the globalization process. Using a multiple case study design, the study examines the evolution of two fashion-led Italian districts: the Montebelluna sportswear system and the Vibrata-Tordino-Vomano clothing district. Our findings reveal that cluster firmsâ-™ ability to shift from manufacturing to other activities providing higher returns along the global value chain is key to understanding the effect of globalization and relocation processes on the cluster's long-term competitiveness. As illustrated in this study, weak learning districts are the most threatened while innovative districts are able to enact a selective process of relocation, substituting outplaced activities with more valuable ones and attracting inward investments.</p>

Keywords: industrial districts; evolution; relocation; global value chains

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/08985620600884685

Affiliations: 1: Faculty of Economics, University of Lâ-™Aquila, Piazza del Santuario 19, 67090-Roio Poggio, AQ, Italy 2: Department of Economics â-˜M. Fannoâ-™, University of Padua, Via del Santo, 33 - 35123 Padua, Italy

Publication date: 2006-11-01

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