Abstract

In this introductory paper I analyse the main factors at the origin of the FIAT crisis. I emphasize that some of these can be found in many Italian firms and industries. A property structure based on family ownership together with a not adequate firm dimension compared with the world market are a limit for efficiency. Economies of specialization and economies of local agglomeration are not always enough to compete in the world market. There is not only one strategy to be successful in the world market but R&D, distribution chains, and financial structures push up the minimum efficient dimension to be successful in the world market.