The Evolution of External Linkages and Relational Density in the Tuscan Leather Industry

This paper focuses on the evolutionary processes that have affected local productions systems composed of many small economic units gravitating around numerous leading firms. Recently, the changing competitive context has implied changes in existing relationships; in addition, new leaders have arrived and local firms have established new types of relationships. First of all we present the theoretical framework, centred on the concepts of connective geometry and relational topology. This general schema is proposed for the analysis of the production cycle; then we discuss the empirical evidence regarding the industrial district (ID) producing leather and that regarding the two SME systems producing leather goods and footwear: Finally, we represent and analyze the morphology of the networks led by leaders with their first and second tier suppliers.