The starting point for discussions at this national roundtable session was the observation that, in this time of crisis, revamping Italy’s image is not just a strategic priority, but also a pressing necessity. The problem was seen as originating, paradoxically, from within the country itself, with Italians engaging in some sort of exercise in self-flagellation by talking down their homeland whenever abroad.
Yet – it was countered – Italy is a country replete with points of excellence, and not merely in the widely-acknowledged areas of design, fashion, and food and agriculture, but also in the fields of technological innovation and scientific research. Here too, the problem was deemed innate and essentially cultural in nature, with Italians lacking a sufficiently high enough level of scientific knowledge and awareness – a deficit which has already set in at the senior high school stage. The participants were thus of the view that if the Italian public consciousness were raised so that the same importance was accorded to science as it is to the humanities, then it would be easier to turn Italy’s excellence in hi-tech sectors to the country’s advantage.
There was accordingly a perceived need among the participants, in order to overcome this structural deficiency, to reevaluate the science curriculum at senior high school level and formulate medium-term strategic objectives through a National Research Plan, in addition to encouraging technological innovation among businesses, so as to foster the spread of technology even in traditional sectors.
It was further observed that, in future, Italian firms will be increasingly called upon to forge networks. A Confindustria initiative to this end has met with a good deal of success, with 362 networks formed comprising 1300 businesses. The problem of the size of Italian firms persists as businesses grow little and are thus less likely to be equipped with centers of excellence for R&D, whilst at the same time they have less export capacity. Yet it was stressed that there is considerable room for maneuver in this regard: where serious projects are proposed, foreign funds and companies have shown they are not ill-disposed towards investing in Italy and are willing to contribute to the growth of Italian firms.
Some participants felt that to boost the country’s image it is necessary to abandon the “asset-based” model of culture. Whilst Italians should be aware of the precious legacy left by centuries of history, they must nevertheless change their approach, leaving behind an “asset-based” conception of culture in favor of a creative and proactive vision – with one caveat expressed by a number of participants: notwithstanding the difficulties of managing cultural heritage, it should never be viewed as a constraint, but rather as an amazing resource that is neither “delocalizable nor removable”.
It was noted that both in terms of science and research as well as art and history, Italy needs an “alliance-based culture” that promotes technical and scientific centers of excellence and brings them to international attention within globally-recognized parameters. This approach also applies to the arts, especially as regards writing: in a world dominated by English-speaking writers, France, Germany and Spain – like Italy – are clearly outnumbered linguistically and eclipsed in terms of role models. It would therefore be worthwhile developing joint projects to prevent being entirely overshadowed by Anglo-American hegemony of this field.
As for other “national glories”, such as tourism and football, the participants pointed to a need for improved – albeit differently-nuanced – planning. In particular, it was felt that Italy must “get its house in order”. Given that soccer is a game that involves millions of people, with 700 thousand professional and amateur games a year to manage, calls were made for a law dealing specifically with stadium facilities and for initiatives introducing more sporting activities into school curriculums. Schools were also seen as requiring more incisive curriculum setting as regards the arts, with the reintroduction and funding of instruction in music and art history, and the integration of new technologies, as is already underway in leading institutions in the country such as the venues forming part of Florence’s Polo Museale. Art, along with new technology, attracts tourism: indeed, it is no coincidence that the internet plays such a strategic role in kick-starting integrated tourism projects. The goal should be to ensure that the number of visitors to the regions of Sicily and Campania exceed – contrary to what currently happens – those to the province of Bolzano.
The world-renowned creativity of Italians is not simply or always “in the genes”, but also needs to be nurtured. It was noted, in this regard, that the Venice Biennale – an Italian success story of international standing – has set up the “Bienniale College” initiative to train young architects from around the globe. Another example of excellence cited was the Italian Institute of Technology, which, since its foundation in 2005, has undergone major growth and met with international acclaim. Underlying this success have been merit-based standards and internationally-recognized assessment criteria. The Institute has engaged over 1000 people, of whom 75% are Italians, with 20% of these having returned from abroad: a shining example of how the brain drain may be curbed.
By way of conclusion, it was acknowledged that notwithstanding the existence of successful experiences within Italy, the inability of the state – unlike in France, for instance – to systematize efforts remains a weakness for the country. The roundtable participants agreed on the necessity of adopting a different approach to governance – one which dispenses with traditional methods and avoids yet further coordinating councils and steering committees. What is needed is a clear national undertaking, with a precise delineation of responsibilities, and most importantly, for the country’s reputation to be once more the focal point of the interests of government, communities and individual citizens.