INTERNATIONAL TRADE, TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATION AND EXPORT SPECIALIZATION

The present analysis represents an early and original attempt to link exports and technology in an exclusive and direct way. A number of recently identified indicators are used to describe technological districts, whose particular features are crucial in explaining the competitive capacity of any open macroeconomic system. In this connection, this paper investigates the link between technological potential and exports dynamics in Italy, with the aim of identifying the possible means to be used for reversing the recent negative trends of Italian export capacity. It is frequently said, in this respect, that Italy is increasingly losing international competitiveness, especially in sectors which has long represented Italian excellence in the world.