Exploring the Complex Structure of Labour Mobility Networks : Evidence from Veneto Microdata

This essay investigates the network structure of inter-firm worker mobility in Veneto, an industrial region of Northern Italy, using comprehensive employer-employee matched data. The empirical network reveals a small world pattern that hinges critically upon a few hub firms. Main hubs are found to be: long-established manufacturing companies; wholesale companies; and companies supplying workforce to third parties. The methodology of investigation provides a tool kit for monitoring labour market evolution, and should enable industry policies supporting labour reallocation mechanisms