ABSTRACT
The function of local institutions takes on a much greater importance in how districts adapt to the new competitive context, connecting companies with internal and external networks which give access to new sources of information and knowledge. However, there is more than one unique form of industrial district and more than one type of knowledge flow within these local agglomerations. This work aims to make a comparative analysis between two industrial districts with different technological levels and considering two different types of knowledge flows (business information and technical knowledge). Applying Social Network Analysis techniques (using social networks indicators measuring the number of direct, indirect and intermediary ties) we are able to break down the structure and properties of networks in the district. The results confirm diverse roles played by local institutions relying on the district characteristics and its various internal social networks.
