Impresa, territorio, competitività: riflessioni e prospettive di ricerca (Firm, territory, competitiveness: research reflections and perspectives)

Abstract

Purpose of the paper: The aim of this paper is to present different research opportunities and to highlight the importance that managerial studies have with regard to the relationship between a company and its geographical area.

Methodology: Literature review.

Findings: Territory can be considered as the field where the competitive challenge takes place, as well as the ground of innovation. Hence, the need to: i) re-consider the correct role of “local”, within the new competitive context, though avoiding an useless overemphasis, deriving from barren parochialism; ii) develop types of governance which would be able to summarize different kinds of local peculiarities; iii) study the relationship between the Firm and the Territory in new ways, closer to Italian scientific tradition, like the Viable System Approach.

Research limitations: As introduction to XXIV Sinergie Annual Simposium, the paper frame the topic through an indictive method, taking account of some empirical consequences.

Practical implications: If a territory harmoniously composes its offer as a synthesis of its tangible and intangible products, local economies will find their competitive advantage into being interdependent, complementary and unrepleaceble. In fact, they can limit the homogenizer effect of globalization, through the development of a “land - brand” duo which makes offer unique and well know, allowing sustainable development.

Originality: The paper attempts to systematize different researches on the topic, opening new pathways in management studies. Images are used, in order to give the reader the possibility to understand and interpreter their suggestions.