Research on the Diffused Urbanization Pattern Based on Industrial Districts in Italy
Abstract：
Since the 1970s, Italian industrial districts have been a significant driver of economic growth. The industrial districts have fostered a flexible and specialized production model, primarily characterized by the predominance of small and medium-sized enterprises in local manufacturing industries. The development of Italian Industrial districts has propelled the formation of diffused urbanization (città diffusa) in Italy, which has also provided essential support for the dispersed production organization within the industrial districts, resulting in a mutually reinforcing relationship. The areas of città diffusa are primarily located in central and northern Italy, surrounding metropolitan centers or along key transportation routes. They exhibit two spatial structural patterns: polarized networks and balanced networks. Overall, these areas demonstrate a relatively weak hierarchical structure and an equilibrium-based nature, with spatial characteristics that include substantial dispersion, small agglomerations, and high mobility. The città diffusa areas serve as a compelling example of successfully promoting the coordinated development of small and medium-sized towns, offering valuable insights and considerations for China.Since the 1970s, Italian industrial districts have been a significant driver of economic growth. The industrial districts have fostered a flexible and specialized production model, primarily characterized by the predominance of small and medium-sized enterprises in local manufacturing industries. The development of Italian Industrial districts has propelled the formation of diffused urbanization (città diffusa) in Italy, which has also provided essential support for the dispersed production organization within the industrial districts, resulting in a mutually reinforcing relationship. The areas of città diffusa are primarily located in central and northern Italy, surrounding metropolitan centers or along key transportation routes. They exhibit two spatial structural patterns: polarized networks and balanced networks. Overall, these areas demonstrate a relatively weak hierarchical structure and an equilibrium-based nature, with spatial characteristics that include substantial dispersion, small agglomerations, and high mobility. The città diffusa areas serve as a compelling example of successfully promoting the coordinated development of small and medium-sized towns, offering valuable insights and considerations for China.