This paper proposes a study on collective learning (CL), a concept which, despite its popularity, remains relatively unspecified from the theoretical point of view. We address this analysis taking a cognitive-organisational perspective in order to connect individual and social features of learning processes in local economic systems. The individual learning dimension is observed via the modification of firms’ competencies, while social learning is taken into account by observing production and labour organisation. We define CL as a “coordinated change of competencies of firms and local institutions” in order to capture the local production system dynamics. We emphasise the relationships that organise the division of labour of a local system because co-ordination introduces problems of synchronisation and assignation of competencies. Moreover, local institutions can contribute to promoting governance changes or inertia. From our analysis, CL emerges as crucial for material and immaterial resources allocation, for local system performance and for the setting of policies. In the first part a conceptual framework for the empirical analysis of CL based on the concept of competence is introduced. In the second part two case studies are illustrated using the correspondence analysis: the eyewear milieu of Cadore and the sports shoe milieu of Montebelluna, both from the Veneto region.