From marble to innovation, right through to critical raw materials: the challenge of the Sardinian Region’s internationalisation

From the marble and stone sector to innovation and critical raw materials: the challenge of the Sardinia Region’s internationalisation efforts is focused on foreign markets. These strengths have driven the internationalisation plan pursued by the Region of Sardinia through the programme led by the Regional Department of Industry. Councillor Emanuele Cani takes stock of the work carried out so far halfway through the term of office.

The government representative outlines the progress made and takes stock of this first phase of the programme, which has seen various companies operating in different sectors rise to the challenge of trade fairs and opportunities outside the island. “The initial assessment of the projects is certainly positive,” he says. “We have organised our businesses to participate in major national and international trade fairs of great significance.” Not only that, but according to the government representative, “the return on investment is certainly positive”. “It is positive because providing access to such significant audiences from a networking perspective can act as a very important driver of development and growth for our manufacturing sector.”

Sectors such as marble and stone are playing the development and growth card by looking to national and international markets; in Sardinia, this sector is represented by around seventy companies. Then there are the start-ups and other companies engaged in innovation. No less important are the companies operating in the food and wine sector, which are focusing on international exports, with a particular emphasis on markets in the East and the United States. “To date, we are certainly very satisfied, though there is obviously plenty of room for growth.” As for the future, the councillor adds: “We must certainly, as we are doing, tailor our promotional activities for our businesses at both national and international levels, whilst keeping an eye on our region’s future industrial development programmes.”

There is also an entire sector on which the Region and the department intend to focus. “Let me give an important example we are working on,” he continues – “it concerns the development of the entire sector of critical raw materials and rare earths, where it will be absolutely vital to engage with key international audiences, so that we can assess what Sardinia and its resources can contribute to a sector that is so important for regional and national development, yet so strategic at an international level”.