The productive system of Monza and Brianza during the Reconstruction. A municipal-level analysis of the 1951 census

Abstract

This article contributes to a deeper understanding of the distinctive features of the production system of Monza and Brianza by highlighting its historical roots. It enriches the scholarly debate that, originating in the 1970s with the studies on industrial districts, has more recently evolved to include the concept of the entre­preneurial ecosystem, which seeks to capture the dialectical relationship between entrepreneurial forms, the socio-institutional context, and local development. The research is based on quantitative data drawn from the 1951 ISTAT census, col­lected at the municipal level and later aggregated, thereby reconstructing a unified analytical framework for an area that, at the time, lacked a defined administrative identity. By examining the economic conditions of the Brianza territory during the Reconstruction period, the article traces the origins of structural characteristics that continue to represent its competitive advantage and social cohesion today. Among these, a strong inclination toward entrepreneurship and innovation stands out, root­ed in longstanding artisanal traditions and reflected in capital-light, export-oriented manufacturing activities. Overall, the article identifies key elements that define the local production system and offer valuable insights to guide future development trajectories in a time of profound transformation.