Inter-firm cooperation as strategic element to get a sustainable competitive advantage in rural tourism: network contract 'green-road'

The paper aims at analysing the strategic validity of Italian contractual network in order to define a new business model for contemporary companies belonging to the tourist, agri-food and crafts sectors. The qualitative methodology is used with a one-case study in depth. The data are collected through semi-structured interviews in depth, observations. The present research is the first step of an extended study on territorial regional, national and international levels. Limitations are due to the restricted data used in the present phase of the research. The paper aims at integrating existing literature for academic community and decision makers. The research represents essential characteristics of Italian contractual network, by emphasising its framework and validity, in order to recognise an innovative business model in increasing the tourist, agri-food and crafts companies’ competition on the global market.