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The role of institutions in supporting SME financing through the trade credit channel: an empirical analysis of Italian provinces

Author

Listed:
  • Fabrizio Coricelli

    (Paris School of Economics
    University of Siena
    CEPR)

  • Marco Frigerio

    (University of Siena)

  • Pietro Vozzella

    (Polytechnic University of Marche)

Abstract

Trade credit is a relevant channel through which institutional development affects the real economy. When contract enforcement is weak and trust is low, firms engage in opportunistic behavior that is likely to disproportionally penalize small firms, characterized by weak bargaining power with respect to their larger customers or suppliers. This mechanism is particularly relevant during periods of sharp tightening of credit conditions from banks. Exploiting regional variation in Italy, the paper finds that institutional development mitigated the impact of the financial crisis, particularly for smaller firms, by limiting the adverse effects of the trade credit channel on their liquidity conditions.

Suggested Citation

  • Fabrizio Coricelli & Marco Frigerio & Pietro Vozzella, 2025. "The role of institutions in supporting SME financing through the trade credit channel: an empirical analysis of Italian provinces," Small Business Economics, Springer, vol. 65(2), pages 947-972, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:sbusec:v:65:y:2025:i:2:d:10.1007_s11187-025-01013-6
    DOI: 10.1007/s11187-025-01013-6
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Alexander Peter Groh & Christina Guenther & Denis Schweizer & Silvio Vismara, 2025. "Entrepreneurial finance in an extended period of crises," Small Business Economics, Springer, vol. 65(2), pages 763-776, August.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • G01 - Financial Economics - - General - - - Financial Crises
    • G32 - Financial Economics - - Corporate Finance and Governance - - - Financing Policy; Financial Risk and Risk Management; Capital and Ownership Structure; Value of Firms; Goodwill
    • L14 - Industrial Organization - - Market Structure, Firm Strategy, and Market Performance - - - Transactional Relationships; Contracts and Reputation

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