Il ruolo dei network strategici nella promozione dell'innovazione nelle microimprese. Il caso dell'artigianato tradizionale cremonese

Innovation is a key element of competitiveness for all firms, included those micro-sized. However, extant research has rarely considered the dynamics of innovation in micro-firms and few studies have focused on the role of networks for innovation in this context. Also, dynamics of innovation in traditional, low-tech sectors are scarcely investigated and merits further attention. This on-going study aims to contribute filling these gaps through an empirical quantitative study focused on Cremona’s District of traditional-violin-craftsmanship in Italy. Results show data derived from two surveys submitted to members and non -members of a collaborative network. Findings offers interesting insights about the definition of innovation in traditional micro-firms and which are those areas more/less subject to innovation. It also helps delineate the role of networks in fostering micro-firms’ ability to innovate – revealing a driving force in commercial and marketing aspects – while deepening the understanding of formal and informal collaboration dynamics.