I distretti produttivi in Sicilia: l’esperienza degli anni 2007-2010

Sicily is a region which shows a large gap in terms of income per capita with the Centre-North and with the average income per capita of the European Union. The island, however, have an entrepreneurial tradition that has been consolidated in agriculture and craft activities and that has paid off even in the limited manufacturing activity. The Sicilian economy has seen the emergence in recent years of several innovative companies who can be leaders in the markets, although there are many unsolved problems that constrain the economy and its development. This paper aims to examine and evaluate the experience of the 23 productive districts recognized by the Sicilian Region in 2007, distinguishing them in two broad sectors: industry-handicraft and agro-food. The evaluation is carried out at the conclusion of the “Development Agreements” of the districts over the period 2007-2010. An assessment that may be of interest just when the Region is preparing to approve the new “Development Agreements” for next three years.