From marble to innovation, right through to critical raw materials: the challenge of internationalisation for the Region of Sardinia

From the marble and stone sector to innovation and critical raw materials: the challenge of internationalisation in the Region of Sardinia 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 for Industry. Councillor Emanuele Cani takes stock of the work carried out 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 take on 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 gaining access to such significant audiences from a networking perspective can act as a major driver of development and growth for our production sector.”

Sectors such as marble and stone are playing the development and growth card by targeting 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 the innovation sector. 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 currently 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 have access to 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”.