Multiple Factor Analysis to Visually Explore Collaboration Structures: the Case of Technological Districts

In the present work we propose to analyze, through Multiple Factorial Analysis (MFA), the relational structure embedded in collaboration networks emerging in Technological Districts (TD) and observed across time occasions. In our opinion, MFA allows to deal with complex relational structures that lead to highly heterogeneous networks. We show, through a case study, how the solutions provided by the MFA can be interpreted in a natural and suitable way in the relational setting. They can furnish valuable information about the strength and typology of the collaboration structure and its evolution. As case study we focus on the analysis of a TD located in South Italy.