New challenges for Made in Italy: towards an industrial and technological vision
Made in Italy continues to be recognized worldwide for creativity and aesthetic ability, but to compete globally, it must face new challenges related to small business size, digitalization, and advanced technology. According to Serena Turrisi, Head of Client Business Development at Fideuram, the Italian entrepreneurial fabric consists of 99% small and medium-sized enterprises, often family-owned, with an average turnover of less than 50 million and owners who, in 84% of cases, are over 60 years old—elements that contribute to limiting international competitiveness.
The key point for strengthening Made in Italy is supply chain or district cooperation, which allows for the combination of craftsmanship and industrial innovation while maintaining creative value and creating economic weight. Before finance, a clear industrial vision, effective governance, and management of generational succession are needed, as demonstrated by the case of Kico-Del Tongo, a furniture company from Abruzzo that has successfully merged family tradition with a modern industrial project, ensuring continuity and innovation with the second generation.
Historic industrial districts—such as Santa Croce sull’Arno (tanning), Valenza (goldsmithing), and Como (silk)—represent a model to be valued and replicated, as they allow for competition with Asian giants that have capital and technology but lack Italian creativity. The challenge for Made in Italy today is to become technologically advanced industrial artisans, operating within a supply chain logic and offering tailor-made solutions without losing identity and quality.
In summary: innovation, collaboration, and industrial vision are the keys to a competitive and sustainable Made in Italy in a global world.
