The criteria characterizing an industrial district are:

• a territorially defined area
• a specific product
• a precise production sector in which each link has attained and guaranteed excellence in carrying out the functions assigned.
• a very high degree of flexibility allowing for a prompt reorganization of supply, according to market requirements.
• a broad network of relations, particularly of informal nature, between buyers and sub-suppliers. Such connections bring about technical cooperation which produces continuous product and process improvement.
• competition among firms in close proximity that increases the stimulus for progress and the creation of new entrepreneurial initiatives.
• the presence of local institutions (administrative headquarters, banks, trade associations, schools, service centers, museums etc.) that foster economic growth.
• the strong propensity to export: as average, the sales quota generated by exports is greater than 40%, with peaks reaching up to 70%-80% in the main sectors of specialization (textile-clothing, furniture, footwear, ceramics).