‘Attractive because of the quality of our ecosystem’

Foreign-controlled Italian companies have grown steadily, but above all, their contribution to the national economy has increased: they account for 21 per cent of turnover and employ around 10 per cent of the workforce. How has this trend changed the nature of the Italian business landscape?

Foreign-controlled companies are fully integrated into the Italian production system. For every euro of direct value added, they generate 2.1, and for every direct employee there are 3.4 employees supported through production interdependencies. The impact therefore extends to supply chains and regions, including in terms of innovation: foreign companies account for 38.1 per cent of national business R&D and, as part of international networks, they promote the dissemination of expertise, technologies and new organisational standards.

What are the country’s most attractive features for multinational companies? And what are the challenges?

Italia’s appeal depends on the quality of its ecosystem: advanced supply chains, specialised suppliers, innovation, skills, universities and research. Key challenges: making investment simpler and more predictable, through efficient public administration, clear regulations, coordination between central government and local authorities and timely decision-making.