Industrial districts and GVC: toward an integrated approach in the analysis of competitive advantage. Theoretical perspective and Climaveneta case-study

Abstract

In a period of huge economical turbulence and fierce globalization processes, the growth and decline of entire economic systems may affect deeply the geography of richness. The aim of the paper is to analyze and create an overall framework of scholars works related to firms strategies, taking into account the role of regional development as a key factor in the success of single firms, in order to find a new successful way to compete as a synthesis of past contributions . Debated paradigms of Global Value Chains and Industrial Districts seemed to have found satisfying answers to cope with the challenges that globalization is posing to entrepreneurs but recently they started to show significant problems and inconsistencies that are tackling the basis of these strategic philosophies; the analysis will be broad and take into consideration economical, political and social aspects. The limits of past paradigms is leaving space to a new generations of firms that are managing to reach significant success worldwide exploiting both the advantages of GVCs approach and IDs one. Nowadays production costs’ control it is more than a necessity so processes as the breaking down of the value chain to outsource or the offshoring of production must be considered with attention. Contemporarily, the development of competencies and skills within an organization it is the real engine of growth in many industries that boosts innovation and continuous improvement, leveraging especially on intangible assets. These two themes cannot be considered as distinct ways of conducting business in a world that offers competitors with huge costs advantages and significant investments possibilities. Furthermore, the role of economic systems may affect dramatically the success of entire industries through its regulations and support systems. Through the analysis of a real case, I will focus the attention on the strategic decisions that are allowing a company as Climaveneta to compete with huge players in the worldwide arena. The development of internal competencies to create valuable solutions for customers, the role of Climaveneta’s GVC and the company’s relationship with its suppliers and its economic system will be the main pillars of this paper. Broadening the analysis to other successful companies, I will try to draw a new model of success that can both use the possibilities that globalization is giving to firms, keeping key competencies locally in order to create innovation and products that are tailored to customers’ needs.