Technological Innovation and International Competitivity: Is there a future for Italian Districts and Local Economic Systems?

In this paper the analysis of the Italian system of industrial districts is carried on in the light of the more general crisis of Europe in terms of innovative capabilities and employment creation. Nevertheless the recent positive trend of Italian districts, the institutional context in which firms are operating is not helpful in order to support their turnaround towards more innovative activities able to increase employment. The problems coming from the insertion of the firms in a complex multinational competition need local specialised policies awaiting for a much important and complete national policy.