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Innovation and e-commerce in clusters of small firms: The case of a regional e-marketplace

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  • Eleonora Lorenzini

    (Department of Economics and Management, University of Pavia)

Abstract

This paper draws on the literature on innovation in clusters and e-commerce to investigate how a particular kind of innovation project, the establishment of a regional e-marketplace (REM), may contribute to regional development. Using a firm-centred perspective, the role of geographical and cognitive proximity, absorptive capacity and other firm characteristics in the adoption and development of this particular type of innovation project is assessed. Hypotheses are tested with reference to the case of an REM recently established in the Italian area of Valtellina. The policy implications of the study are that REMs deserve support as an instrument of territorial development both in the establishment and in the implementation phase, more with “soft policies” than with “hard policies”.

Suggested Citation

  • Eleonora Lorenzini, 2012. "Innovation and e-commerce in clusters of small firms: The case of a regional e-marketplace," DEM Working Papers Series 003, University of Pavia, Department of Economics and Management.
    • Handle: RePEc:pav:demwpp:demwp0003
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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    2. Pearson A. Broome, 2016. "Conceptualizing the foundations of a regional e-commerce strategy: Open networks or closed regimes? The case of CARICOM," Cogent Business & Management, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 3(1), pages 1139441-113, December.

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    Keywords

    clusters; innovation policy; e-commerce; proximity; Italy;
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