Riviera del Brenta Luxury Shoes District The evolution of the Global Value Chain

Abstract

This paper aims at analyzing the value distribution of the global productive chains with both quantitative and qualitative instruments accompanied by case studies. In particular, the paper analyzes the Riviera del Brenta Luxury Shoes Cluster in the Veneto region, Italy: the origins and how the geography of the various functions changed due to the internationalization process. This work emphasizes the need for a change of perspective. Over the years, the cluster increasingly relies on the distribution power of international luxury brands. In order to capture more value of the productive chain, the cluster needs to rely on, not only the manufacturing processes, but also on service processes with activities like marketing and branding. This allows the cluster to not give up on his market quotes and value, developing autonomous brands that respect the territory identity.