L'utilizzo e l'outsourcing dei servizi alle imprese nei distretti industriali

This paper deals with the use and outsourcing of production services by firms located in Italian industrial districts, using a survey from the Bank of Italy. The main results are the following: (i) Firms playing a leading role towards the other firms in the district make more use of marketing services; (ii) There is a positive association between a low integration of activities inside the firm and a less stable demand for its own products; (iii) Outsourcing outside the industrial district allows firms to enrich their value chain with some intangible assets produced in the largest cities; (iv) Information technology also permits easier contacts with other firms not located in the same district.