The innovative model of the VDO for collaborative networked enterprises: the GPT network case study

The paper presents one of the most interesting Collaborative Networked Organizations in Italy, namely Gruppo Poligrafico Tiberino (GPT), the first adopting the governance model with the Virtual Development Office (VDO) structure. The network is constituted by 21 companies belonging to the paper converting, packaging and logistics sectors. The nature of the collaboration is based on a long term strategy vision, giving to the network more competitive advantages, in respect to the classical collaborative alliances in Italy, such as the industrial districts, the cooperatives, the consortiums or the temporarily associations. Started from a national research project, it is nowadays a very fast growing up reality; the significant results achieved and the strong interests coming from Institutions, Ministries and Universities, make GPT a real success both under the industrial both under the academic perspectives.