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Industrial Policy and Artisan Firms in Italy, 1945-1981

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  • Giuseppe Maria Longoni
  • Alberto Rinaldi

Abstract

This paper shows that after the Second World War the Italian state carried out an artisanship policy (that is, for the smallest firms) of an extent that was unparalleled in Europe. This policy was based on the provision, on the one hand, of lower tax and employers' contributions and welfare benefits at reduced premiums and, on the other hand, of 'substitutive factors': soft loans, services and promotional initiatives by state agencies. Such an artisan policy played a twofold role: partly 'defensive', protecting a segment of marginal firms, and partly 'proactive', prompting modernisation and innovation of more promising firms. The latter were clustered especially in the industrial district of the centre and north-easte of the country, whose development turned out to be boosted to a significant extent by state intervention.

Suggested Citation

  • Giuseppe Maria Longoni & Alberto Rinaldi, 2008. "Industrial Policy and Artisan Firms in Italy, 1945-1981," Center for Economic Research (RECent) 025, University of Modena and Reggio E., Dept. of Economics "Marco Biagi".
    • Handle: RePEc:mod:recent:025
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Anna Spadavecchia, 2005. "Financing Industrial Districts in Italy, 1971-91: A Private Venture?," Business History, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 47(4), pages 569-593.
    2. Carnevali, Francesca, 2005. "Europe's Advantage: Banks and Small Firms in Britain, France, Germany, and Italy since 1918," OUP Catalogue, Oxford University Press, number 9780199257393.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Italy; Industrial districts; Artisan firms; Indsutrial Policy;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • N24 - Economic History - - Financial Markets and Institutions - - - Europe: 1913-
    • N44 - Economic History - - Government, War, Law, International Relations, and Regulation - - - Europe: 1913-
    • O25 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Development Planning and Policy - - - Industrial Policy
    • O38 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Government Policy

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