Implementing Sustainability Strategies in Networks and Clusters - Principles, Tools, and New Research Outcomes

This book investigates the dynamics of the management of sustainability in networks and clusters - an area of increasing importance that is neglected by the many studies addressing sustainability at the single-enterprise level. The focus is in particular on projects involving groups of enterprises with a high level of productive interdependence and steady relations that allow sharing of resources and activities. The book is organized into two parts, the first of which discusses the value of the territory for firm competitiveness, examines the importance of social capital in creating sustainable business behaviors and 'unique' networks, and describes principles and tools for the implementation and management of sustainability strategies in networks or clusters. The second part then presents the methodology and outcomes of empirical research conducted on industrial districts and productive centres in Campania, southern Italy, which are representative of Italian productive chains. The book will be of value to all management scholars with an interest in this field, as well as to readers wishing to learn more of the role of local institutions.

Alessandra De Chiara is an Ethics and Market Professor at the University of Naples 'L'Orientale', Italy. She has been a Professor in Business Administration and Management since 2002 and has held academic and institutional positions at several Italian universities. She is especially interested in the scientific themes of internationalization of business and SME strategic management and in the past few years has examined in detail issues relating to corporate social responsibility and sustainability strategies.