`This book provides a wide-ranging analysis of change in size and nature of Italian firms, and thus a unique and fascinating perspective on the evolution of one of the major industrial
economies of the 20th century. An example of business history as it ought to be done. ---Giovanni Federico, European University Institute, Italy
This book is necessary reading for a real understanding of the evolution of Italian capitalism during the last century. It moves away from a simplified view of the Italian industrial structure
as just composed by small enterprises and successfully sheds light on the variety of different forms of enterprises that compose the Italian system. The lively picture that emerges from this
book is the one of richer types of enterprises, which have evolved over time and have contributed in different ways to Italian economic growth. ---Franco Malerba, Bocconi University,
Italy
Taking an historical perspective, this unique book highlights the evolution of the many diverse forms of business enterprise, and discusses the contribution of these different types of firm to
the economic growth of Italy.
One important issue that has recently captured the attention and the research efforts of both economists and economic historians has been the debate on varieties of capitalism in the modern
world. In this context, the expert contributors analyze the various stages of Italian development that have been characterized by diverse dominating forms of enterprise which, in turn, have
adapted to the nature of technological and market opportunities at the institutional, national and international level. This book proposes a new interpretation of the `Italian case' that
utilizes both the structural and macroeconomic perspective of comparative history, as well as the microeconomic perspectives focusing on the strategies of different economic agents.
Based on solid quantitative evidence, this original work will prove to be a valuable resource for academics and students of strategy and organization, economic historians and applied
economists.
