Evolution of local systems in the context of enlargement

The aim of this paper is to outline the main patterns of change at the local level in the most important Italian shoes district in relation to the transition process occurring in the Central and Eastern European Countries. The increased economic integration raises the necessity to conceptualise the industrial district as a part of a wider framework of production. The internal reorganization at the local level is interpreted combining two different theoretical approaches: the territorial perspective that is rooted in local development literature and the ‘productive stages’ perspective typical of the value chain analysis. The systemic characteristics that underpin both of them suggest integrating the two points of view. After an overview of the main characteristics of the two complementary frameworks I will tried to provide an interpretation of the recent evolution of the shoes industrial district. The information presented in the empirical session is based on a field study carried out in the Italian shoes industrial district of Marche during the period from December 2000 to August 20011. The research method relied on in-depth interviews with 35 local entrepreneurs and other key informants (local institutions namely 'local industrial association' Unione Industriali del Fermano).