High Tech and Mezzogiorno: Industrial Development and Public Policies

We study six high tech areas in the Mezzogiorno through in-depth field research. The starting point of these industrial systems is always the opening of a large new plant owned by a large firm. Other large firms follow, together with new locally-owned small and medium enterprises. These developments are due only in part to subcontracting,qualified human capital being the key issue (with a circular causal relationship with firm good performance), together with new research activities, both inside the firm and in cooperation with the local Universities. Public policies are crucial. However, the effectiveness of national industrial policies has declined, with growing uncertainties for the future.