Title: Network structure in a local innovation system in mature industries. An empirical case study

Authors: Marco Ferretti; Eva Panetti; Adele Parmentola; Annamaria Sabetta

Addresses: Department of Management and Quantitative Studies, University of Naples 'Parthenope', Via Amm. F. Acton, 38, 80133 Naples, Italy ' Department of Management and Quantitative Studies, University of Naples 'Parthenope', Via Amm. F. Acton, 38, 80133 Naples, Italy ' Department of Management and Quantitative Studies, University of Naples 'Parthenope', Via Amm. F. Acton, 38, 80133 Naples, Italy ' Department of Management and Quantitative Studies, University of Naples 'Parthenope', Via Amm. F. Acton, 38, 80133 Naples, Italy

Abstract: This paper aims to explore the local innovation system's network structure in mature industries and in an emerging economy, by taking empirical evidence from the transport and logistics innovation system in the Campania region (South of Italy). The social network analysis conducted on R&D alliances among a heterogeneous sample of organisations revealed that the Campania LIS in transport and logistics is characterised by a closed network, where brokering positions are mostly undertaken by academic institutions, which is in line with the studies arguing that a closure structure better sustains the conduct of innovation activities.

Keywords: local innovation systems; LIS; R&D relationships; social network analysis; SNA; South of Italy; innovation networks.

DOI: 10.1504/IJGSB.2020.109555

International Journal of Globalisation and Small Business, 2020 Vol.11 No.3, pp.279 - 302

Received: 01 Mar 2019
Accepted: 23 Sep 2019
Published online: 15 Sep 2020 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article