L’imprenditore in ambienti ostili. La varietà delle strategie competitive in un territorio microcapitalistico

The article analyzes the influence of the territory on entrepreneurial activities in Calabria. The empirical analysis – based on seven case studies and 42 interviews – has specifically explored the strategies deployed in response to the adverse characteristics of the local context, the regulation models emerging in relation to territorial issues widespread in Calabria, and the discontinuities induced by the actions taken by some entrepreneur-innovators. The research has highlighted the extensive use of vertical integration by leading enterprises in Calabria, to face an hostile environment, as well as the presence of enterprises that have established cooperative relationships with other businesses located in the same territory. All the analyzed leading enterprises show a strong orientation towards technological innovation linked to a remarkable ability to penetrate foreign markets.