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From Delocalisation to Backshoring? Evidence from Italian Industrial Districts

Author

Listed:
  • Bettiol, Marco

    (University of Padova)

  • Burlina, Chiara

    (University of Padova)

  • Chiarvesio, Maria

    (University of Udine)

  • Di Maria, Eleonora

    (University of Padova)

Abstract

In recent decades, industrial districts (ID) have experienced intense delocalisation to low-cost countries, with implications for IDs’ internal structure. Recent studies, however, highlight the advantages of relocalising manufacturing in home countries. This paper investigates ID firms’ production-location strategies and backshoring decisions. The results from a survey of 259 firms in eight Italian IDs show that firms that delocalise production do not change their strategies over time and make limited recourse to backshoring. ID production is still important to guarantee product quality and access to specialised know-how.

Suggested Citation

  • Bettiol, Marco & Burlina, Chiara & Chiarvesio, Maria & Di Maria, Eleonora, 2017. "From Delocalisation to Backshoring? Evidence from Italian Industrial Districts," INVESTIGACIONES REGIONALES - Journal of REGIONAL RESEARCH, Asociación Española de Ciencia Regional, issue 39, pages 137-154.
    • Handle: RePEc:ris:invreg:0359
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Fernando Merino & Cristina Di Stefano & Luciano Fratocchi, 2021. "Back-shoring vs near-shoring: a comparative exploratory study in the footwear industry," Operations Management Research, Springer, vol. 14(1), pages 17-37, June.
    2. Piatanesi, Benedetta & Arauzo Carod, Josep Maria, 2019. "An Analysis about reverse offshoring," Working Papers 2072/376030, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Department of Economics.
    3. McIvor, Ronan & Bals, Lydia, 2021. "A multi-theory framework for understanding the reshoring decision," International Business Review, Elsevier, vol. 30(6).

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    delocalisation; backshoring; industrial districts; manufacturing; Italy;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • F23 - International Economics - - International Factor Movements and International Business - - - Multinational Firms; International Business
    • L23 - Industrial Organization - - Firm Objectives, Organization, and Behavior - - - Organization of Production

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