Local Networks and Regional Development : Features and Perspectives

The aim of this paper is to draw attention to the role of local industrial networks in a regional development process. We build a one-region model in which we investigate the conditions that make local networks arise, distinguishing between spontaneous and sustained networks. Accounting for the difference between incomplete and full coordinated agreements among firms, we establish the values of parameters that allow for the rise of each type of network. Finally, we argue on the positive effects that the rise of local networks yields to the regional internal product, making of them a reliable support for the regional economic take-off.