New challenges and the future of Italian superyacht yards

Abstract

This work aims to acquire greater knowledge on the structure of heterogeneous oligopoly in the superyacht production industry, and to investigate how the fierce competition mounted by newcomers who seek to beat down the price of superyachts can lead to problems for the large European, American and above all Italian yards as well as small accessories manufacturers. As a reference point of this study attention will focus on the Viareggio cluster whose companies are recognized as ranking first in all the international classifications. If stiffer competition or a decline in demand or, above all, sharply predatory prices set by the newcomers, were to create severely adverse conditions, the large companies in EU and USA and particularly in Italy mounting their counter-attack.