A new tool of network enterprise in Italy : contratto di rete

The aim of this paper is to analyze the Italian context in regards of two specific issues. The first issue refers to current models of agglomeration and networks in local economies and, in particular, whether State and local policies are capable to sustain regional development through specialization to encourage innovation. The second issue refers to concurrence and deviation determinants in the European context: the territorial gap. This analysis has also shown a fair degree of diffusion of this instrument in Italy, mainly related to the economic vocations of specific territories. Its flexible nature puts it beside the other forms of aggregation; first of all, the consortia and districts. The last point we aim to discuss is the potential role of network enterprises as applied to territorial competitiveness.