ECONOMICS OF LOCAL SYSTEMS OF PRODUCTION - 1

The course complements the other courses of the degree: it provides students with the basic knowledge about the intermediate forms of organization of economic activity with particular reference to production clusters, districts and business networks. Both the different theories developed around the concept of "system of firms" - in its various manifestations - and some country's experiences in developing such systems will be discussed. The second part of the course will focus on some international experiences, in particular of business clusters, whose study can provide interesting connections with other courses dedicated to business strategies and management. Finally, basic knowledge will be transmitted on the policies for the promotion and the effective functioning of the analyzed systems of firms.

Knowledge and understanding
- learn the main distinctive features of the different systems of firms
- understand the evolution of theory and debate around systems of firms

2. Ability to apply knowledge and understanding
- know how to frame case studies in the theoretical framework of reference provided
- know how to distinguish the different types of systems of firms
- know how to highlight the advantages and challenges deriving from systems of firms

3. Ability to judge
- be able to critically assess the evolution of systems of firms in various contexts
- know how to suggest interventions to support the functioning of the systems of firms

4. Communication skills
- students will be able to exercise their ability to present, argue, discuss scientific work - theoretical or applied - on the topics discussed in class through participation to the laboratories

Students are encouraged to take the Microeconomics and Macroeconomics exams before this course

1. Review of basic concepts: economics, industrial economics, economics of business systems;
2. Review of the main theories of the firm;
3. The perspective of transaction costs;
4. Agglomerations of firms and advantages: industrial districts;
5. Agglomerations of firms and advantages: industrial clusters;
6. Networks;
7. Clusters and districts: Italian and international experiences;

Lipczynski J., Wilson J.O.S., Goddard W., Economia Industriale: Concorrenza, strategie e politiche pubbliche, Pearson, capitoli 1, 3, 4, 12, 13.

Di Tommaso M.R., Rabellotti R. (1999), Efficienza collettiva e sistemi d’imprese: oltre l’esperienza italiana, Bologna: il Mulino. Capitoli 1 e 2;

Beccattini G. (2004), Industrial Districts: A new approach to industrial change, Edward Elgar, capitolo 1;

Iacobucci D. (2005), ANALISI SUL CAMPO II: DIVERSIFICAZIONE, CRESCITA ESTERNA E FORMA-GRUPPO, in Traù et al., "Crescere: materiali di riflessione sullo sviluppo delle imprese Italiane", Confindustria. Disponibile su piattaforma moodle;

Not attending students: Written exam (100 percent of the final grade)

Attending students: Written exam (40 percent of the final grade) and laboratories (60 percent of the final grade)

Lectures and workshops with presentation and discussion of scientific articles/case study (workshops only for attending students)

Italian

Due to the health-emergency the exams of June 2020 will be online. An oral examination will take place through online conference. The oral exam will follow a similar structure as the written one.

written

This subject deals with topics related to the macro-area "Human capital, health, education" and contributes to the achievement of one or more goals of U. N. Agenda for Sustainable Development