Running through discussions at this national roundtable was the acknowledgement that the opportunities offered by the technological revolution currently in progress pose a challenge for Italy, namely: that of deploying innovation to preserve the nation’s position as the second largest manufacturing country in Europe. Having regard to this challenge, it was noted that foundations have already been laid for successfully negotiating a way out of the process of transformation underway, for although the crisis has led to a high failure rate for businesses, it has at the same time succeeded in sifting out and bolstering a network of very competitive firms capable of securing in foreign markets the kind of turnovers which – due to the collapse of domestic demand – have not been available at home. Indeed, Italy’s traditional industrial sectors have boosted higher value-added production, while firms that rank foremost in their market segments have also become leaders in technology.
Against this backdrop, it was observed that Italy must contend with the so-called fourth industrial revolution, which promises to digitize industry and create smart factories, with many top-notch firms already equipped for the challenge, while a vast array of small and medium-sized enterprises still need to be engaged and brought up to speed in order to ensure their successful transition. This transformation was seen as taking place “on the fly”, and as progressively gaining in speed owing to the exponential pace of the technological advances that are the hallmark of the associated revolution. This, it was emphasized, is the reason why industrial policies must outline a plan that does not neglect pockets of industry and therefore of wealth. What is called for – it was suggested – is greater planning, but also an increased investment of resources, which, if judiciously employed, could yield a significant return in terms of improved competitiveness for the country.
Implementing a new industrial policy was also viewed as necessitating a renewed focus on sectors, such as education and training, that are key to meeting the human capital requirements of Industry 4.0. To that end, it was felt that an underlying problem of cultural perception must be addressed, entailing the rehabilitation of the image of manufacturing in line with an Italian tradition that sees factories not just as places where quality products are made (and thus also as stimulating and satisfying working environments), but additionally as workshops for a business culture based on inclusive input with the aim of generating innovation.
Moreover, Industry 4.0 was also regarded as heralding a radical change in industrial relations. It was recognized that many Italian employers are embracing a ‘real Italy’ approach, already moving in the direction of productivity-linked contracts associated with a boost in employee benefits capable of delivering real wage increases. Nevertheless, much was made of the importance of ensuring that this virtuous process is not brought to a halt by those in the ‘formal Italy’ camp, who are committed to hindering change by championing old mindsets that are out of step with an altered global scenario.