Productive process

The development model of Tuscany, historically characterized by the presence of major industrial districts, has evolved progressively towards a system based on leading companies in close relationship with efficient sub-supplying companies.

There are many cases in which the leading company is a foreign company which settled in a specific area precisely to take advantage of an established network of sub-suppliers. In some cases, the informal relationship has evolved in the creation of a “business network”, a legal status under Italian law.
These business networks allow the acquisition and activation of common services: professional consulting and training, IT networks, collective purchases of equipment that allow for reduction of costs and restoring of profitability.
Another important aspect was the role of the public in defining specific agreements for enhancing the area: the so-called “supply-chain pacts” (note for example, the one signed for the leather goods supply-chain).

The objectives of such agreements may be summarized as follows:
I. TRANSFER OF INNOVATION
II. MONITORING AND DISINCENTIVE FOR UNFAIR COMPETITION ALONG THE SUPPLY-CHAIN
(i.e. exploitation and tax avoidance)
III. IMPROVEMENT OF CREDIT TERMS
IV. TRAINING COURSES

Today, there are important industrial artisan districts specialising in the production of products Made in Italy that have developed along the Arno valley from the Province of Arezzo to the inner part of the Province of Pisa.