ABSTRACT: The paper aims to examine the evolution of economic and commercial networks in the red coral (Corallium rubrum) sector through a historical analysis of the firms operating within it. The red coral sector is investigated by considering its historical evolution in the Italian peninsula, from the modern to the contemporary age, to highlight firms developing network processes and expanded value creation paths. In particular, the focus has been identified in the production district of Torre del Greco, a city in Campania with a centuries-old history and tradition linked to the coral resource, recognised as the main center for manufacturing and trading in Italy. This research follows an interpretative methodological approach. After reviewing – from an evolutionary perspective – the business literature on firm networks and the related value creation paths, the study discusses relevant historical documents on the red coral sector housed in the National Library of Naples. The documentary investigation is enriched by accessing the historical archives of some – still active – firms of Torre del Greco and by discussion with entrepreneurs and sector associations. The analysis reveals a lack of studies investigating the evolution of this sector from a strategic, organisational, and competitive perspective. In this sense, the research contributes to understanding ancient commercial and accounting practices and organisational structures related to the red coral sector on the Italian peninsula. The analysis of the ancient production district of Torre del Greco in the 19th century allows to identify the key players – already organised into hubs and sub-hubs – ofthe coral sector network and to analyse how the value creation process was organised, by highlighting the close link between the coral resource and the economic development of the territory. Furthermore, the research can offer current research insights related to the topics of sustainability and digitisation. Indeed, historical research can guide in understanding the challenges currently facing the coral industry in terms of preserving and protecting the marine habitat and introducing digital technologies in harvesting, processing, and sales processes.
KEYWORDS: Red coral sector; Value creation; Firm networks; Territorial development; Historical analysis
