Abstract

This article analyzes the evolution of Italian firms in China over the past decade. We use a set of information sources to monitor the variety of ways in which firms develop international economic relationships: i.e. trade, direct investment, supply chain networks, offshoring. As regards foreign direct investment, we offered an insight into the Istat Outward-Fats data set, that makes it possible to analyze economic consistency, performance and specificity of the pattern of internationalization of Italian companies resident in Asia, studying the role that branches play in the context of global value chains. Finally, through a study of panel data relating to the Italian province, we propose an analysis of the impact of offshoring with Asia on employment and productivity of local systems.