This meeting was part of the broader Aspen Initiative in Favor of Pure Science – a project aimed at raising awareness in civil society of the strategic importance of pure science, not only as relevant to scientific study but also in terms of its fundamental service to humanity in general.
The euro is celebrating its first twenty years as a success but also in the awareness that much remains to be done. The overwhelming majority of European citizens consider the single currency a part of their identity and view it favorably; surely, the introduction of the euro simplified economic and commercial activities. Yet, not to be underestimated is the problem it created, particularly for a country like Italy, by eliminating the possibility of using exchange rates as a competitive devaluation tool.
Promoting women in the study of STEM disciplines (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) is a global challenge. As statistics and research show, however, the case of Italy is especially urgent. The pandemic having had a particularly negative impact on women in terms of work and social life, additional legislative and other efforts in support of women’s more active role are currently underway.
As acknowledged during the recent Italy-led G20, the empowerment of women is an international issue of undeniable importance. Making the transition from awareness to profound changes in rules and practices requires the creation of global networks at political, diplomatic and governmental levels – in other words, in all decision-making processes.
Italy’s 2021 economic recovery, an excellent sign for the future, was led especially by domestic consumption and other segments such as construction that enjoyed the benefits of fiscal incentives, and thus offers a good point of departure for 2022. This despite national and global level threats that include increased energy and raw materials prices, the slowdown triggered by the fourth pandemic wave, and bureaucratic snags that could obstruct the timely manufacture and consignment of the machinery needed for the digital transition.
It is in times of emergency that the future must be planned. With this aspiration, the Aspen Institute Italia community provided numerous proposals for relaunching Italy’s economy after the pandemic crisis. This document is an overview of this commitment, fed by the spirit of pluralism and of frank and constructive service to the community for national cohesion – elements that have characterized the initiative of Aspen Institute Italia over nearly forty years of analyses and debates. Produced by a Group of Experts, led by Professor Alberto Quadrio Curzio, the document arranges hundreds of proposals, assessing their feasibility and breaking them down into five chapters: Enterprise, Investment, Infrastructure, Innovation, and Institutions.
