In the first quarter there were 94 new business network contracts, which brought the national total to 792, with 4.091 companies involved. Lombardy is in first place with 990 companies, in 254 network contracts. This is what emerges from the third observatory on business networks conducted by Intesa Sanpaolo and Mediocredito Italiano.
In particular, among the various provinces, Milan stands out with 313 companies in the network, followed by Brescia (174), Bergamo (93), Monza-Brianza (89), Varese (79), Lecco (67), Como (52), Mantua (41), Sondrio (24), Cremona (23), Pavia (23), Lodi (12). As for the production sectors, services (41,4%) with 410 companies in the network, industry (37,5%) with 371 companies in the network, construction and real estate (18,2%) with 180 companies Network.
The Observatory focuses on the results of the manufacturing sector during 2011: the companies involved in network contracts recorded an increase in turnover of 10,1%, against 4,6% of those not in the network. Companies that decide to form a network are already characterized by a better competitive positioning from the outset: in one case out of two they are already part of economic groups (against around 35% of companies not in the network), they have export activities (50% approximately vs. 31%), quality certificates (26,7% vs. 17,2%), foreign subsidiaries (17,8% vs. 7,5%), internationally registered trademarks (16,4% vs. 8,5%), patent applications to the Epo (16,3% vs. 7,3%), environmental certifications (8,2% vs. 3,4%).
For a better focus on the repercussions of the phenomenon, the Observatory reports the results of a survey carried out among 360 client companies involved in network contracts, from which it emerges that one company out of two expects benefits in terms of income. Approximately 50% of the enterprises interviewed also declare that they participate in the network in order to achieve greater production synergies (especially in the South and in the Centre), strengthen the promotion/distribution channels (North) and carry out joint innovation and research projects (Center and North East).
