Abstract

After having experienced an economic crisis in the 80s, the town of Genoa has greatly changed its economic structure. Among other major activities, informatics and electronics are increasing their importance. Besides some big companies, many small and medium size firms are developing in these industries. This paper aims to describe the economic situation of small firms within informatics and the personal networks of entrepreneurs, underlining the different role that strong and weak ties play in the everyday survival and growth companies. Moreover, the network among institutional actors is described, focusing on the most central actors, an economic association and the Regional administration. The first one has promoted the creation of the technological district and the development of relations among firms, the second one has given formal recognition to the district itself.