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The Symbiotic Division of Labour between Heterogeneous Districts in the Dutch and Italian Horticultural Industry

Author

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  • Fiorenza Belussi

    (Department of Economics and Business, Padua University, via del Santo 33, 35123 Padova, Italy, fiorenza.belussi@unipd.it)

  • Silvia Rita Sedita

    (Department of Economics and Business, Padua University, via del Santo 33, 35123 Padova, Italy, silvia.sedita@unipd.it)

Abstract

This article focuses on the historical development of one ornamental horticulture district in the Netherlands and two in Italy. The aim is to underline the global division of labour among three districts driven by industrial district heterogeneity, uneven learning systems and a unique specialisation in production and retailing. The historical development of all the districts is very similar, but the application of science and the role of local institutions explain the evolution of the cluster in the Netherlands. Despite the lack of natural resources and unfavourable climate, high labour and energy costs, the Dutch district and the Netherlands-based horticulture industry hold a leading position. Although endowed with better natural resources, the Italian districts belong to a very weak national innovation system and are now strongly dependent on the Dutch system.

Suggested Citation

  • Fiorenza Belussi & Silvia Rita Sedita, 2008. "The Symbiotic Division of Labour between Heterogeneous Districts in the Dutch and Italian Horticultural Industry," Urban Studies, Urban Studies Journal Limited, vol. 45(13), pages 2715-2734, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:urbstu:v:45:y:2008:i:13:p:2715-2734
    DOI: 10.1177/0042098008098202
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Alessia Sammarra & Fiorenza Belussi, 2006. "Evolution and relocation in fashion-led Italian districts: evidence from two case-studies," Entrepreneurship & Regional Development, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 18(6), pages 543-562, November.
    2. Arjen Van Klink & Evert‐Jan Visser, 2004. "Innovation In Dutch Horticulture: Fresh Ideas In Fresh Logistics," Tijdschrift voor Economische en Sociale Geografie, Royal Dutch Geographical Society KNAG, vol. 95(3), pages 340-346, July.
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    11. Fiorenza Belussi & Alessia Sammarra, 2006. "Evolution and Relocation in Fashion-led Italian Districts: Evidence from two Case-Studies," "Marco Fanno" Working Papers 0023, Dipartimento di Scienze Economiche "Marco Fanno".
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    Cited by:

    1. Silvia Rita Sedita & Ivan De Noni & Luciano Pilotti, 2014. "How do related variety and differentiated knowledge bases influence the resilience of local production systems?," "Marco Fanno" Working Papers 0180, Dipartimento di Scienze Economiche "Marco Fanno".
    2. Fiorenza Belussi & Silvia R Sedita & Tine Aage & Daniele Porcellato, 2011. "Inward Flows of Information and Knowledge in Low-tech Industrial Districts: Contrasting the ‘Few Firms Gatekeeper’ and ‘Direct Peer’ Models," Chapters, in: Paul L. Robertson & David Jacobson (ed.), Knowledge Transfer and Technology Diffusion, chapter 3, Edward Elgar Publishing.

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