In this chapter, we propose a novel methodology that aims at establishing what is the role of "location" in shaping firm growth. Along with the traditional determinants (like, e.g., age, size, financial constraints and others), geographical location is alleged to drive firm growth. The current...

The distinction between profit and non profit firms does not necessarily apply to some cooperative firms, such as the Italian mutual cooperative banks (MCBs). MCBs present a peculiar governance structure, a combination between a public company governance model and a non-profit one. The board of...

<em>Innovation and marketing in traditional sectors: some industrial policy implications</em> - In an environment with increasing competition, the importance of taking care of customers through marketing, high quality service and after sale support has been shown to be crucial for getting competitive...

We study the information and communication technologies (ICT) adoption choices of Italian manufacturing firms, investigating the factors, both at the firm and at the environmental level, that speed up or slow down the adoption. We use a survey of 1500 manufacturing firms interviewed in 2001 to...

State ownership, pyramidal groups, family trust and a minor role for banks and other financial institutions in the corporate governance of both large and small enterprises are the structural features of Italian capitalism today. This paper offers a critical analysis of state ownership by...