La competitività dell'industria francese e il mercato napoletano nel '700

The essay begins with an analysis of the French productive structure during the 18th century. France, during the Ancient Regime, experienced an economic growth that - although it is merely in terms of amounts – could be compared with the competitive British one. Really – in spite of the great growth of the manufacturing production – it seemed to be more a big industrial country than an industrialized one. The French productive growth occurred conventionally, without any relevant structural change. The statistical analysis of patents, for instance, showed the quickening pace of innovation in England and the resulting gap that was created with France, especially around the end of the century. But the even more evident British industrial primacy was perceived as a dangerous threat. The delay of the French industry had become a real obsession. It is illustrative, in this sense, the analysis of the trade relations between the French markets and the Neapolitan ones. By this comparison it emerges clearly that the French productivity was gradually losing its competitiveness on the Neapolitan market, most of all compared to the English one. The French governing class became even more aware about this situation.