Core Projects - Innovation

The surge in supply chain trade between high-tech and low-wage nations in the late 1980s ignited a shift in the global economic landscape triggering the worldwide fragmentation of production. The mid-2000s signed a turning point in global trends. Over the last two decades, supply chains have undergone profound structural transformations, gravitating towards knowledge-rich and regionally concentrated configurations. In recent times, disruptive forces like pandemics and unpredictable geopolitical dynamics have starkly illuminated the vulnerabilities of long-distance connections, prompting a profound reassessment of ongoing business strategies within the context of deglobalization.

Within this framework, scrutinizing local production systems, particularly the resilient industrial districts, assumes newfound centrality. Industrial districts are geographically tethered clusters of interconnected enterprises, epitomizing indispensable components of robust economies. They often harbor specialized knowledge, skills, and infrastructures that enable companies to adapt to the ever-evolving market conditions swiftly. Moreover, industrial districts foster an environment conducive to innovation, facilitating the exchange of tacit knowledge deeply rooted in the venerable artisanal traditions dating back to the Middle Ages. The bedrock of businesses’ identity and competitive prowess are in the ancient craftsmanship skills embedded in local contexts.

Understanding the pivotal role of regional systems in creating value along the supply chain has never been more crucial. It serves as the guiding light for the spatial reconfiguration of production stages and informs the formulation of policy interventions.

This project offers a framework for investigating the performance of Italian enterprises within diverse regional landscapes. Particular emphasis is placed on the interplay between digitalization and innovation, striking a delicate balance between tradition and cutting-edge advancements in the era of Industry 4.0. Within this visionary framework, we delve into the concept of a “Medieval Future,” propelling us to embrace our historical roots as we navigate the ever-evolving landscape of industrial transformation.

The research project “Understanding New Product Portfolio Management: Attention and Decision Drivers under Financial and Ethical Information” aims to elucidate the complex decision-making processes in New Product Portfolio Management (NPPM), focusing on the interplay between financial and ethical considerations. In an era where Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) considerations are becoming increasingly significant, this study seeks to understand how NPPM balances financial returns against ethical implications in the predevelopment stage of product pipeline.

As businesses globally pivot towards integrating ESG factors into core strategies, understanding the dynamics of decision-making in NPPM, especially the weighting of financial and ethical considerations, becomes crucial. This study not only aims to reveal the inherent biases and preferences in financial evaluation but also seeks to determine how ethical considerations are integrated into these decisions. By examining the cognitive processes underpinning investment decisions, the research will provide novel insights into the congruity or discordance between traditional financial metrics and ethical imperatives in NPPM.