A particularly significant contribution to the “National Interest” initiative continues to be made through various research projects. These can take the form of dedicated studies undertaken at the behest of Aspen Institute Italia, or research conducted by others which the Institute considers relevant to and in keeping with the objectives of the “National Interest” initiative.
The aim is to involve some of the most prestigious Italian national research centers in order to create a network that facilitates the sharing of ideas and the forging of collaborative partnerships.
Research studies currently in preparation
Future by Quality. Life sciences and research in Italy
conducted by Cergas-Università Bocconi for Aspen Institute Italia
With a contribution by Zambon
This study takes into account Italian dynamics over the past few decades and offers a profound analysis of the sector, on a national and international level. The aim is to identify a valid development model for Italy.
Publication due in June 2018
Making the most of Italy’s energy potential given the current transition scenario
Aspen Institute Italia, with the contribution of Shell Italia
This ongoing research project updates and analyzes the principal current trends and suggests possible energy scenarios, keeping the focus on Italy, and in special consideration of emerging markets.
Publication due in November 2018
Tourism: driving growth in Italy
conducted by Intesa Sanpaolo for Aspen Institute Italia
On the basis of an in-depth analysis of sector data, this research project examines and evaluates opportunities offered by the tourism sector for the Italian economy.
Publication due in November 2018
2017
Cities as engines of growth: the crucial issue of local transportation
conducted by Intesa Sanpaolo for Aspen Institute Italia
By analyzing local transportation companies’ data, this study draws conclusions about the levels of efficiency in urban systems. In particular, factors are identified that can help make local transportation a positive force for cities in spurring the country’s growth.
November 2017
Making the most of Italy’s energy potential given the current transition scenario
Aspen Institute Italia, with the contribution of Shell Italia and with the support of Elettricità Futura
This second edition of the research project analyzes the principal ongoing trends and offers up possible energy scenarios, maintaining the focus on Italy, yet also looking at the world’s largest markets. Particular attention is paid to the role of renewable energy in the general increase of electricity consumption.
November 2017
Big data: economic opportunities for Italy
conducted by the Scuola Normale Superiore di Pisa and the Regione Emilia Romagna, with the support of Aster, for Aspen Institute Italia
This research project examines the Big Data phenomenon, which is characterized by a wealth of information associated with new means of analyzing and forecasting. The project focuses on opportunities provided by Big Data to strengthen the competitiveness of businesses and improve strategic policy, things that are bound to have an impact on both the private and public sector.
October 2017
Italy’s competitiveness in a new scientific research scenario
conducted by Farmindustria and Fondazione CERM for Aspen Institute Italia
Given the increasingly complex landscape of research, marked by widespread collaboration and multidisciplinary approaches, this study will examine new models for organizing scientific research, with a view to determining whether Italy might possess a competitive advantage as well as identifying the systemic measures needed to maintain the country’s positioning.
September 2017
2016
Reaching energy independence while respecting the environment: a strategic issue for Italy
conducted for Aspen Institute Italia with the contribution of Shell Italia, in cooperation with Bocconi University, and with the support of Confindustria Energia and Assomineraria
The aim of this study is to examine the country’s energy potential by investigating the role of fossil fuels in the development of the sector, and, more generally, of the national economy. Guidelines geared to ensuring that future planning efforts support Italian competitiveness will also be suggested.
November 2016
The bioeconomy: innovation and sustainable growth
conducted by Intesa Sanpaolo, in cooperation with Assobiotec, for Aspen Institute Italia
In 2012, the European Commission adopted a strategy aimed at supporting the bioeconomy, understood as an economy that utilizes renewable natural resources to produce goods and energy. This study will endeavor to identify the challenges and opportunities that a bioeconomy entails for Italy, both from a technological and industrial standpoint.
November 2016
Nanotechnology and Italy
conducted by the Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia and the Scuola Normale Superiore di Pisa for Aspen Institute Italia
The development of nanotechnology is revolutionizing many areas of technology, science, and industry. This study will analyze Italy’s position in the sector, identifying the most promising applications and the industries that stand to benefit most from them.
June 2016 – available in the Members’ Section
Advanced new therapies in personalized medicine
conducted by Cergas-Università Bocconi, Consorzio Aster, Fondazione Telethon, GlaxoSmithKline e SR-Tiget (Istituto San Raffaele Telethon per la Terapia Genica), for Aspen Institute Italia.
In cooperation with Regione Lombardia.
The use of genetic material in the treatment of diseases is opening up new prospects for personalized medicine. This study seeks to explore the practical potential of this field, the conditions that need to be in place to establish an Italian hub for such activity, and the anticipated impacts on Italy’s national health system.
June 2016 – available in Italian
Development and progress: what the former East Germany can teach Southern Italy
conducted by Intesa Sanpaolo for Aspen Institute Italia
Without an economic recovery in Southern Italy, an area that represents 1/3 of the nation’s GDP, it will be difficult to imagine a complete recovery of the entire country. The success story of East Germany offers numerous points of reflection on measures necessary for convergence.
November 2015
Italian hi-tech industry: the case of life sciences (II edition)
conducted by IMT Alti Studi Lucca, Fondazione CERM, AIFA and Centro Studi Farmindustria for Aspen Institute Italia.
with a contribution by Kedrion e Sorin.
Analyzing data relative to publications, patents and clinical studies, the study aims to analyze Italy’s position in the life sciences sector, with special attention given to pharmaceuticals and medical devices.
January 2015
Charting Italian model for sustainable wellbeing: health, environment and lifestyle
conducted by the University of Brescia for Aspen Institute Italia
Citizens’ health, attention to the environment, awareness of ways of consuming. The research aims to define a new position for Italy, that can become an example on a global level, leveraging the well-known values of the Italian lifestyle.
July 2014
Eco-sustainable development and waste management: prospects and models for Italy
conducted by REF-E for Aspen Institute Italia
with a contribution by A2A
By analyzing the evolution of waste management models over time and based on the best policies and projects on an international level, the study aims to define guidelines for our country for a more efficient waste management strategy.
April 2014
2013
Museum systems in Italy
conducted by IULM University-Milan for Aspen Institute Italia
Through an analysis of the most significant experiences in Italy, this study presents a reflection on working mechanisms, prospects of development and effects on the field of museum systems.
September 2013
Italian hi-tech industry: the case of life sciences
conducted by Intesa Sanpaolo and IMT Institute for Advanced Studies Lucca for Aspen Institute Italia
The focus of this study is the field of life sciences (particularly the pharmaceutical and biomedical sectors), marked by the presence of many industry-leading firms, a high level of interest among foreign investors, and an as-yet untapped potential for innovation.
May 2013
The internationalization of Italian firms
conducted by the Enel Foundation and the LUISS Guido Carli University for Aspen Institute Italia
This research endeavors, through a field study, to explore the internationalization dynamics operating amongst Italian firms, with a specific focus on the enabling or inhibiting role played by tangible and intangible infrastructure.
March 2013 (available in Italian)
2012
Italian museums and cultural districts: strengths and weaknesses
This study aims to highlight some of the more successful cases of cultural institutional management in Italy.
- Part two – Italian museums conducted by IULM and UNESCO, with the Italian Ministry of Cultural Heritage and Activities, for Aspen Institute Italia. This section of the study focuses on the economic value of Italy’s cultural heritage, with particular reference to the country’s museums through the examination of several key public and private institutions.
March 2012
Part one of this study was published in October 2011.
Research in Italy: strengths and weaknesses
conducted by the Italian National Research Council (CNR), the Polytechnic University of Turin, the Polytechnic University of Milan, the Higher Normal School of Pisa and the Fondazione Telethon for Aspen Institute Italia
January 2012
This study takes an analytical look at Italy’s scientific research sector, focusing on its vanguards of excellence and the factors that contribute to its international competitiveness.
2011
Italian museums and cultural districts: strengths and weaknesses
This study aims to highlight some of the more successful cases of cultural institutional management in Italy.
- Part one – Cultural Districts
conducted by Fondazione Cariplo for Aspen Institute Italia
This section of the study aims to demonstrate an innovative project in local cultural sector development.
October 2011
Fourth capitalism: the new engine of Italian development
conducted by the Mediobanca Research Department for Aspen Instittue Italia
July 2011
The study looks at the current and future role of intermediate-sized firms that are a feature of the Italian economic system.
Export companies: analysis of the system and perspectives
conducted by Intesa Sanpaolo, Fondazione Edison, ISTAT and the IMT Institute for Advanced Studies Lucca for Aspen Institute Italia
June 2011
Building on data gathered for the various installments of the Showcase (2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010), this study seeks to provide a snapshot of the performance in recent years of Italy’s most significant exporting firms.
Past research can be found in the “National Interest” Archive.