Abstract

The mechanical engineering industry is the Italian best performer in terms of international competitiveness. Nevertheless there is scarce attention by the economic literature to this sector for which it is possible to analyse an interesting structural evolution: from the typical fragmented structure of small and micro-firms (60-70s), there is now a stronger presence of medium and big firms that in many niches (machinery typologies) are international leaders. The article highlights this evolution with the consequences in terms of concentration, internationalisation and business models.