ABSTRACT
The chapter analyses the relationship between the internationalization processes undertaken by manufacturing firms located in industrial districts (IDs) and their home-based local assets. It investigates how multinational enterprises (MNEs) could foster the sustainability of assets traditionally present in IDs by being embedded in GVCs. Through a multiple case study of Italian MNEs located in district areas, the research provides empirical evidence for why local companies that have developed in the global market still locate their main activities in district areas, and how MNEs might trigger positive externalities and nourish local assets by jointly engaging in global and local connections. This work concludes by highlighting policy issues.
