How do related variety and differentiated knowledge bases influence the resilience of local production systems?

This contribution attempts to systematize some first evidence on the sustainability and resilience of local production systems in the economic recession and first hypothetical phases of recovery, 2007 to 2011, focusing on the role played by diversified economy, related and unrelated variety and differentiated knowledge bases, as drivers for territorial competitiveness under unfavourable economic conditions. The results confirm the importance of related variety to growth and stability during recessions and support the creative capacity of culture, providing evidence that a moderate concentration in cultural/creative economic activities contributes to resilience and that industrial districts and international development play a positive role.