Networking policy and firm performance

This paper evaluates the effects of inter-firm networks (IFNs) on firms’ economic performance. This policy instrument has been implemented in Italy from 2009 to support mostly small and medium-size enterprises after the great economic crisis of 2007–2009. Starting from an original database of Italian manufacturing and service firms for the period 2010–2017, the paper develops in two steps: the first part, with “difference-in-differences” technique, is highlighted the positive effect on firms’ performance for those firms involved in an IFN. The second part investigates which characteristics of the IFN have better impacts on firm’s performance in the medium long-run. This study contributes to the network policy literature by revealing another instrument to foster cooperation and increase firms’ innovation and internationalisation, without the need to be geographically bounded.