TURBULENCE IN INDUSTRIAL POPULATIONS: THE CASE OF THE ITALIAN GRAPHIC PAPER INDUSTRY

Significant and persistent flows of entry and exit, that is, turbulence, are a common feature of most industries, across countries and over time. By means of a new database for the Italian graphic papermaking industry between 1964 and 2004, this research inquires into the extent and character of entry and exit in an industry where innovation in products and processes has been incremental and largely predictable and, therefore, unlikely to be the main driving force of firm turbulence. The first part of the thesis deals with methodological issues concerning compilation of the thesis’ database, which records, annually, plants’ and firms’ major demographic events, attributes and proprietary linkages, thus allowing comparison between the dynamics of plants and firms throughout the reference period. Special attention was given to avoid measurement distortions that would have risen from using business register administrative files. The second part focuses on what factors are more likely to affect survival prospects of plants and firms. Using logistical analysis, econometric results confirm that plant exit has been determined by efficiency of its equipment, diversification strategy of the proprietary firm and, unexpectedly, its organizational history. Using survival analysis, econometric results reveal that the risk of exit for firms is lowered by pursuit of external growth strategies (acquisition of plants), concentration of production into graphic paper and being equipped with modern machinery. The third part examines the effects of firm turbulence on the evolution of concentration in the industry. The data show that acquisitions have been an important source of turnover among the leading companies and that a significant portion of the leading companies has been relatively new. The analysis also indicates that at least some turbulence has led to instability of market shares among the leading firms.

Name dc:type.qualificationname

phd

Level dc:type.qualificationlevel

doctoral

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

University of East Anglia

Year dc:date.issued

2010

Author dc:creator

• Pitassi, Cristina

Language dc:language

en