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Technological relatedness and innovation geography: A patent-based analysis beyond industrial districts

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  • Bumbea, Alessio
  • Espa, Giuseppe
  • Giuffrida, Annamaria
  • Mazzitelli, Andrea

Abstract

We examine whether Italy's innovation capacity remains concentrated in traditional Industrial Districts or is increasingly shifting beyond their historical boundaries, using analytical tools from complexity science. We focus on the technological profiles and patenting activity of 6145 Italian firms that filed at least one patent between 2021 and 2023. Using patent data from Orbis Intellectual Property, we construct an integrated firm–technology–territory dataset and apply the Economic Fitness and Complexity framework to quantify and compare firms' innovative capabilities within and outside Industrial Districts.

Suggested Citation

  • Bumbea, Alessio & Espa, Giuseppe & Giuffrida, Annamaria & Mazzitelli, Andrea, 2026. "Technological relatedness and innovation geography: A patent-based analysis beyond industrial districts," Socio-Economic Planning Sciences, Elsevier, vol. 105(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:soceps:v:105:y:2026:i:c:s003801212600090x
    DOI: 10.1016/j.seps.2026.102503
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