Understanding the evolution of an industrial district by considering the global value chains in which it is embedded: The case of Montebelluna Sportsystem

Abstract

The evolution of the Montebelluna Sportsystem is analyzed focusing on the global value chains in which it is embedded. Production in the area has its origins in the ancient shoemaking tradition of the Republic of Venice, but it is from the mid-1960s that it gained international recognition following the introduction by a local firm of the breakthrough innovation of plastic ski boots. Following the international recognition has been decades of diversification and a parallel development of global connections shaped in various ways, such as delocalization of activities by local firms, foreign firms’ localization of activities in the district area and partnerships. To analyze the district and related global value chains, a conceptual framework is created. Secondary data has been gathered from a diverse array of sources, including databases, reports, scientific articles, and journals. The analysis reveals a significant change in composition and practical differences between the district and the traditional Marshallian ID model. The resilience of the district is also confirmed. As a result, it will be proven that it is no longer possible to understand its evolution without including the global value chains.