A
strategic position at the heart of the EU and dynamic innovation make
the region a magnet for business
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| The
expanding Milan fair aims to create Europe’s largest international
exhibition centre, helping boost industrial growth |
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he
region of
Lombardy, located in the north of the country around the three key
cities of Milan, Bergamo and Brescia, is the richest and most productive
corner of Italy. The Lombardy economy represents one-fifth of the Italian
national economy with a gross domestic product (GDP) of around £157
billion. It is the financial, commercial and industrial heart of the
country.
The region faces
several challenges in order to maintain its strong profile, especially
in the context of EU enlargement, the demands of globalisation and greater
competition. These challenges mean putting in place the right infrastructure
to handle future growth, continuing the transformation to value-added
industries, supporting businesses with a highly-skilled workforce and
expanding sectors based on services, tourism and culture.
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Lombardy
has emerged as the most successful example of Italian devolution
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Lombardy
is one of the four Motors of Europe, key engines for growth, alongside
Catalonia (Spain), Baden Württemberg (Germany) and Rhône-Alpes
(France). The region has flourished thanks to its strategic position
close to the centre of the EU, accounting for roughly 30 per cent of
all Italian exports. Approximately 40 per cent of Italian multinationals
have their origins in Lombardy. It is also a breeding ground for dynamic
small and medium-sized firms.
As well as industry,
from heavy machinery and textiles to fashion, design and new economy
business, it is a magnet for international tourists, especially those
from the UK. The region’s long list of attractions includes Lake
Como and Lake Garda, Alpine ski resorts like Bormio and Livigno –
due to host the 2005 World Ski and Mountain Bike Championships respectively
– and Milan, the undisputed capital of cool, the home of Giorgio
Armani and other chic names.
Lombardy is keen
to nurture interest in its lesser-known cultural roots. Roberto Formigoni,
Lombardy’s energetic President, says there is plenty still to discover.
“Foreigners know Venice, Rome and Florence for art, but for some
specific periods of history in architecture and painting, Milan –
and cities like Bergamo and Como – are first in Italy, and the
world.”
Under Mr Formigoni’s
leadership, Lombardy has emerged as the most successful example of Italian
devolution. The region, with a population of some nine million, is now
in charge of its own destiny in many decisive areas. It has the highest
number of universities and the biggest research budget in the country.
It is an affluent area – GDP per capita is around £17,204,
some 35 per cent higher than the European average.
There is also an
industrial transformation taking shape both in Milan and beyond as old
industries make way for new services, such as IT, biotechnology and
communications.
Massimo
Zanello, Councillor for Industry, Small-Medium Businesses and Tourism,
believes that Lombardy still offers the very best in quality despite
the fundamental economic shift that has resulted in the redevelopment
of former industrial districts into fashionable residential and service
areas. “Lombardy means the best of ‘Made in Italy’,”
he says.
Lombardy
is already Italy’s most export-focused region, with strong links
to the UK. Vico Valassi,
President of the Lombardy chambers of commerce (Unioncamere), says there
is a vigorous programme to assist local companies in maximising opportunities
abroad, particularly in the EU. “We want to help small and medium-sized
companies grow and move into international markets,” he says. “We
want to offer a complete service to all those moving towards internationalisation.”
The region is keen
to secure more investment from overseas. It has made significant headway
in terms of labour market reform and helping to minimise bureaucracy,
the traditional enemy of Italian business. Reform is also under way
in the regional health sector, education and law enforcement. Constitutional
reform is a priority for Attilio Fontana, President of the Lombardy
Regional Council – Lombardy’s parliament. Mr. Fontana is a
firm believer in the devolution process and he asserts that greater
autonomy is the way forward in Europe. “We believe the new European
structure must have great freedom from an organisational point of view
– it must grant a kind of autonomy to the member states acting
as a confederation rather than a centralising state.”
In Italy, Lombardy
already leads the field in terms of research and development and professional
training with a comprehensive educational structure in place. This is
in part due to the devolution process but also because of the strong
corporate sector presence and the leadership of the regional government.
Mario
Boselli, President of the
Camera Nazionale della Moda, the association of the fashion industry,
says: “Milan is still the capital of top quality ready-to-wear
clothing, something which is very important for the image of the country.”
But he insists that the industry must continue to invest for the future
to remain at the top. This means equipping people with the right skills
for the job. “I believe the future belongs to young people –
this is particularly true for fashion.
But being young is
not sufficient. You have to be really professional. We need prepared
young people able to cope with very complex situations. That is why
education and training are vitally important.”
Giuseppe
Guzzetti, President of the Cariplo Foundation, the eighth
largest foundation in the world with a net worth of over £2.8
billion, says there should be an even closer link between the government,
the corporate sector and the academic world.
He wants to see new
‘poles of excellence’ to align university and economic activities.
The Foundation, which supports cultural, social and research projects
in the region, is convinced that Lombardy, and its flagship city, Milan,
can redefine itself in the eyes of the world.
“Milan is known world-wide as a capital of fashion, industry and
finance but it also has all the necessary requirements to become a European
capital of culture.”
