Skip to content

Chronological archive

  • Ricerca
  • Research

      • Venice
        • 12 July 2013
         
         

        Global energy outlook and the big transitions

          Given the unique role played by the energy sector in the global economy, the current recession makes it imperative to take stock of the major trends unfolding in the industry. Before the crisis, the sector seemed on the verge of a major restructuring, due to the combined impact of new sources of natural gas and mounting environmental concerns. The effects of the intervening global downturn, though yet to be fully gauged, are in any event set to be asymmetrical.

        • Venice
          • 12 July 2013
           
           

          Governing complexity in the country system: challenges, priorities and Italy’s choices

            Debate at this ASL session focused on framing the complexities of Italy’s economic system within an international context widely held to be in a state of crisis. It was submitted that a closer look at the real economy reveals a need to bolster the international competitive ranking of Italian firms and sectors with reforms capable of shaping the future evolution of the country’s education and research sector, the functioning of the labor market, and the banking and financial system.

          • Naples
            • 5 July 2013
             
             

            The changing Mediterranean: the quest for growth and the Gulf factor

              Discussions at this 2-day event got underway with the observation that the Mediterranean Sea clearly connects Europe not just with North Africa, but also the Middle East, the Anatolian Peninsula, and the Persian Gulf. All these axes present opportunities for growth through greater interdependence, in spite of the current difficulties being experienced by European economies and the political uncertainty holding back those on the southern shores of the Mediterranean.

            • Rome
              • 25 June 2013
               
               

              New infrastructure to help Italian business compete on the international scene

                This National Interest roundtable served as an opportunity to present and discuss the preliminary findings of the study initiated by Fondazione Enel, in conjunction with the LUISS Guido Carli University and Aspen Institute Italia. Those in attendance were provided with an abridged version of the final report which will be presented in the fourth quarter of the year.

              • Milan
                • 17 June 2013
                 
                 

                E‐commerce, security, distribution channels: opportunities and challenges for businesses and consumers

                  At this national roundtable discussion, it was observed that the global phenomenon known as e-commerce is bringing about a paradigm shift in distribution models for products and services. In a scenario of constantly increasing online sales, growth in this sector seems unlikely to slow down, thanks also to the spread of new technologies – such as smartphones and tablets – that are making the consumer experience even more effortless. Globally, the number of cell phones far exceeds not only that of televisions, but also mundane everyday items such as toothbrushes.

                • Milan
                  • 28 May 2013
                   
                   

                  Youth and Italy’s future: what new leaders need to know

                    By way of opening premise at this Aspen Junior Fellows meeting, it was observed that the current crisis is an accelerator of change and, like the Chinese ideogram for the word “crisis”, can be seen as posing both a problem and an opportunity. Small wonder then that young people are a prime focus of attention, given that they also represent both of these conditions. Having inherited a legacy of curtailed or betrayed hopes, younger generations appear defeatist.

                  • Milan
                    • 27 May 2013
                     
                     

                    High-tech life sciences in Italy

                      It was remarked from the outset of this National Interest roundtable that the health and life sciences industry is crucial to the Italian production system due to the simultaneous existence of a number of particular factors, namely: the global nature of markets and the supranational character of competition; the potentially strategic role of public actors, owing to their ability to influence supply and stimulate investment; and the highly specialized nature of the professional skills involved.

                    • Milan
                      • 20 May 2013
                       
                       

                      Italy’s food and agriculture industry: a key sector for global markets

                        Discussions at this National Conference hinged on the central observation that the Italian economy can only be revived by capitalizing on the country’s flagship production sectors, with the food and agricultural industry singled out as being of prime importance. Indeed, it was noted that the sector has continued to be a standard-bearer for “Made in Italy” excellence even amid the economic downturn.

                      • Rome
                        • 25 April 2013
                         
                         

                        Aspen and Treccani Institutes join forces for Machiavelli showcase

                          Aspen Institute Italia and the Istituto della Enciclopedia Italiana (or Treccani Institute), founded by its namesake Giovanni Treccani and chaired by Giuliano Amato, is holding an exhibition entitled “Niccolò Machiavelli. The Prince and his times. 1513-2013” in Rome at the Vittoriano Museum Complex from April 25 to June 16, 2013. Organized under the High Patronage of the President of the Italian Republic, the exhibition will mark the fifth centenary of the writing of The Prince by Niccolò Machiavelli.

                        • Rome
                          • 19 April 2013
                           
                           

                          Italian talent abroad

                            Kicking off discussions at this National Interest event was the assertion that innovation is a complex ecosystem – an Amazonian forest in which every actor has a different role to play, but where the contribution of each is essential. While scientific and technological research is a key driver of innovation, it is not the only one. Also required is the input of public and private actors, big business and small pioneering start-ups, venture capitalists and deep and liquid stock markets, and young innovators with entrepreneurial flair and well-established mentors.

                          • Rome
                            • 17 April 2013
                             
                             

                            Electoral reform for Italy

                              In this national roundtable session devoted to examining the nature of electoral reform required in Italy, the opening premise to the discussions was that modern debate on this issue primarily hinges on a straightforward question, namely: does the state of the electorate directly mirror the prevailing electoral system, or does the latter have little impact on the outcome of elections and associated divisions within the electorate?

                            • Rome
                              • 27 March 2013
                               
                               

                              The security sector: protecting Italy and its businesses

                                The opening premise at this National Conference on the important economic role played by Italy’s intelligence services was that, in a globally competitive marketplace, intelligence information is a vital – albeit not the only – underpinning for the realization of any country’s potential for development and success.

                              • Milan
                                • 18 March 2013
                                 
                                 

                                A multidisciplinary culture to build a new future: knowledge, capacity to change, responsibility

                                  Discussions at this roundtable got underway with the observation that five years of crisis – triggered by the collapse of the financial sector and constantly compounded by (public and private) financial difficulties – have forced a rethink of the role of industry, which is now called on once again to become an engine of growth. Indeed, the need for a different economic vision, one which combines the kind of tangible and intangible values needed to kick-start new sustainable growth – has seen the production system return to center stage.