The Influence of Business Ecosystems on Innovation Based Industries. A Research on the Mechanical Sector in Italy

The business ecosystem perspective (Iansiti and Levien, 2004; Pierce, 2009; Daidj, 2011; Peltoniemi, 2004; 2006; Peltoniemi and Vuori, 2004; Koenig, 2012; Adner, 2006; Gueguen & Torres, 2004) can be considered as a more advanced point of view for interpreting the development local economic systems, if compared to more traditional concepts, such as, clusters, industrial districts, local or regional systems, and local networks, about which a wide literature has been developed (among many others: Becattini, 1990; 2004; Boix and Trullen, 2010; Porter, 1998; Andersson et al., 2004; Tallman et. al., 2004; Camagni, 1991; van der Borgh et. al., 2012). More in detail, the business ecosystem perspective allows to better highlight the adaptive and evolutionary nature of local systems to the changing external environment. The aim of this research was to analyze the key characters of firms belonging to a local business ecosystem specialized on an innovation driven industry – the mechanical sector – in order to verify which kind of influence the local context exerts on firms’ management, competitiveness and relationships. A quantitative survey was conducted on a sample of 104 firms located in Italy, focusing on organization, strategies and relationships with both the internal (at the local system level) and external networks, and to relationships with the local environment. Results highlight the ability of firms belonging to a business ecosystem to take advantage of innovation diffusion processes, and also to better develop the quality of products. An important issue that emerges is related to the cohesion of ties within the local system. When relationships are based on knowledge exchange, the evolution of smaller and weaker firms can be fostered, bringing to a general strengthening of the local system.