Local Networks to Compete in the Global Era: The Italian Smes Experience

15 Pages Posted: 15 Nov 2006

Date Written: November 2006

Abstract

This study is concerned with the factors that influence the cooperation among cluster-based firms. Theorists have consistently demonstrated the role and importance of economic externalities, such as knowledge spillovers, within industrial clusters. Less attention has been paid to the investigation of social based externalities, though it has been suggested that these may also accrue from geographical agglomeration. This study explores the development of cooperation between firms operating in a single industry sector and in close proximity. The results suggest that social networking has a greater influence than geographic proximity in facilitating inter-firm co-operation. A semi-structured questionnaire has been developed and the answers were analysed with a stepwise regression model.

Keywords: Networks, Inter-Firm Cooperation, SMEs

Suggested Citation

Gurrieri, Antonia R. and Petruzzellis, Luca, Local Networks to Compete in the Global Era: The Italian Smes Experience (November 2006). FEEM Working Paper No. 134.06, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=944476 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.944476

Antonia R. Gurrieri (Contact Author)

University of Bari ( email )

Piazza Umberto I
Bari, 70121
Italy

Luca Petruzzellis

University of Bari Aldo Moro ( email )

Largo Abbazia Santa Scolastica 53
Bari, 70124
Italy

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