ABSTRACT
The debate on how to reconcile the global and local perspectives on manufacturing activities in global value chains demands informative empirical evidence. By leveraging the global value chain framework, this chapter develops an original mapping methodology of manufacturing firms to be applied at the industrial district (ID) level, to capture both the within-district heterogeneity and the global propensity of the ID. The case of the textile and clothing district in Bergamo highlights the potential of the methodology, which relies on quantitative data and ad hoc indicators (i.e. uniqueness and variety of the production activities). The results provide insights on how companies in the district under analysis strive to find distinctive traits in their manufacturing capabilities that could enhance their competitiveness in the district and in the global value chain. The analysis is complemented by presenting two short cases of local lead firms, which appear to be key actors in the connection between the ID and the global markets.
