Template-type: ReDIF-Paper 1.0
Author-Name: Antonelli, Cristiano 
Author-Email: cristiano.antonelli@unito.it
Author-Name: Barbiellini Amidei, Federico
Author-Email: federico.barbielliniamidei@bancaditalia.it
Author-Workplace-Name: University of Turin
Author-Workplace-Homepage: http://www.est.unito.it/
Title: Knowledge, innovation and localised technological change in Italy, 1950-1990.
Abstract:The paper is an attempt to provide an interpretation of the Italian puzzle in the post-WWII era consisting 
of very low levels of expenditure in R&D and yet high TFP growth. The research aims to supply the basic tools and 
the framework for a better understanding of the Italian industry innovation system and of its contribution to the 
country’s long term growth performance.
The study applies the localized echnological change approach to implement the notion of knowledge interactions so 
as to appreciate: a) the role of external factors in the generation and exploitation of technological knowledge; 
b) the role of creative adoption in TFP dynamics. The analysis is based on a new dataset containing sectoral and 
regional series of TFP, capital intensity,wages per labour unit, R&D expenditures, patents granted in the USA, 
Technological Balance of Payments receipts and expenses, etc. for Italy over the 1950-1990 period. Using a SURE 
model framework, the impact of user-producer interactions on the dynamic efficiency of the Italian industrial 
sector is investigated across industries and regions. The significant and distinctive features of Italian innovation 
dynamics in the post WWII era that result are: i) the emerging and functioning of an innovation system based upon 
both horizontal dynamics of technological cooperation within industrial districts and vertical dynamic interdependence 
within industrial filieres; ii) a relevant, albeit incomplete, diffusion/catching up process in Italian regions.
Length: 52 pages
Creation-Date: 2009-09
File-URL:http://www.est.unito.it/do/home.pl/Download?doc=/allegati_wp/wp2009dip_l_b/13_wp_momigliano.pdf
File-Format: Application/PDF
Handle: RePEc:uto:labeco:200913