The Internal Heterogeneity of Industrial Districts in Italy, Brazil and Mexico
Abstract
Industrial districts have attracted the attention of development economists in search for new models of
industrial development. Many case studies have shown that clustering helps local enterprises to
overcome growth constraints and compete in distant markets. However, empirical studies also reveal
shortcomings of the industrial district model. This paper shows that within the districts there is
enormous heterogeneity by size and performance. Even though clustering firms feed on each other,
they vary a great deal in the strategies they employ and the growth they achieve. This internal
heterogeneity is investigated for three cases: the shoe industries in Italy, Brazil and Mexico.
Citation
Rabellotti, R. & Schmitz, H. (1997) The Internal Heterogeneity of Industrial Districts in Italy, Brazil and Mexico, IDS Working Paper 59, Brighton: IDS.Is part of series
IDS working papers;59Library catalogue entry
http://bldscat.ids.ac.uk/cgi-bin/koha/opac-detail.pl?biblionumber=83312Rights holder
Institute of Development StudiesCollections
- IDS Research [1638]