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Aspen Seminars for Leaders

  • Lecce
  • 23 October 2009
     
     

    Markets and energy/environmental policy: choices for growth and competition in Italian industry

      The seminar discussions got underway with the observation that international energy markets are the litmus test of a crisis whose outcomes are still uncertain. The dramatic slump in global demand has triggered a sharp fall in prices, but speculative interests and unfounded concerns that the peak oil point is approaching continue to artificially sustain share prices at levels that lack any sound market justification.

    • Lecce
    • 23 October 2009
       
       

      Health sciences in Italy: living better and longer

        The Seminar discussions highlighted the divide that exists in Italy today between the core research sector and the business world. It was noted that there is a lack of osmosis capable, on the one hand, of making the most of potential and, on the other, of integrating it into a productive strategy to support the country’s economy. There is a need for the State to coordinate research centers, health authorities, industry and the regulatory sphere, in accordance with policy choices formulated on the basis of the health needs of the country.

      • Lecce
      • 23 October 2009
         
         

        New paradigms of progress and capitalism

          This seminar examined developments in the concept of progress and in models of capitalism in light of the profound economic and social changes wrought by the financial and economic crisis.

        • Lecce
        • 23 October 2009
           
           

          Business, productivity, active society: a recipe for growth

            The participants in this seminar observed that after the shock of the crisis, the economy is searching for ways and means of coming out of the recession with a new model for growth. The first signs of recovery are raising hopes everywhere that the worst may be over – even in Italy. However, despite indications emerging from the financial market, the impact of the crisis on the real economy and employment are far from being a thing of the past.

          • Venice
          • 16 May 2008
             
             

            Freeing up growth: how to ensure productivity and competitiveness in Italy

              The seminar, part of a series dealing with major issues and devoted to the National Interest, examined several crucial points for the promotion of economic growth and the raising of productivity levels at a historical moment marked by the risk of recession and by profound transformations in international economic equilibria. It was observed that to unshackle Italy’s growth, governments and the political sphere must be capable of mobilizing coalitions that are favorably disposed to reforms, highlighting the widespread benefits that they can generate.

            • Palermo
            • 24 October 2008
               
               

              Italy’s Mezzogiorno and the national interest

                The seminar dealt with the issues of the Mezzogiorno from the viewpoint of the economic, social and institutional aspects of National Interest.

                Moreover, the theme of Italy’s Mezzogiorno does not easily lend itself to any sort of sweeping analysis. There are increasing instances of areas of high economic and technological development in Southern Italy, where even local governments have shown signs of operating effectively.

              • Venice
              • 16 May 2008
                 
                 

                Italy’s future: multi-ethnic integration, women, youth

                  This seminar focused on the fact that Italy has three important and strategic crisis areas to deal with simultaneously, namely, immigrants, women and youth. Indeed, it has failed to find the best ways of putting these three significant pools of talent to good use. It was noted that women, for instance, achieve the best results throughout schooling, yet once they enter the workplace they experience various drawbacks such as lower salaries, higher unemployment, less career advancement and a very low level of representation in senior positions.

                • Venice
                • 16 May 2008
                   
                   

                  New scenarios for business: the spread of knowledge and consumer promotion

                    The wiki model, the gift economy and coopetition: these three seemingly obscure concepts harbor features of the most advanced contemporary social relations models. Representing relational systems that were developed on the internet, today they have spilt over into the real world – into the economy and the businesses that are key players in them.

                  • Venice
                  • 16 May 2008
                     
                     

                    European and international financial markets: a new era?

                      The May 2008 Aspen seminar represented a timely occasion to discuss about the current turmoil in financial markets and to assess whether long term changes in structure and dynamics of international financial markets are taking place.The participants analysed the origin and developments of the current turmoil in financial markets and emphasised the central role played by central banks around the globe to restore confidence in the financial markets.

                    • Venice
                    • 16 May 2008
                       
                       

                      The power of innovation: the challenges of development

                        Innovation is a “complex science” that is distinct from invention. It is characterized by the key role played by human capital and, particularly, of the entrepreneur-leader intent on generating economic and/or social value. During the debate, it was noted that Italy has fallen behind the most developed countries, especially in the following areas (held back by the constraints described below):

                      • Palermo
                      • 24 October 2008
                         
                         

                        Quality and efficiency in public services, utilities and infrastructure

                          The global financial crisis will have a major impact on the future of all of Italy’s economic system, particularly the utilities sector. Adopting an evolved Keynesian approach – above all for large infrastructures – could play a crucial role in increasing the country system’s competitiveness. The resumption of large public works – which should begin soon to help deal with this cycle of economic recession – should include identifying some extensive strategic works on which finances should be concentrated.

                        • Palermo
                        • 24 October 2008
                           
                           

                          The “Italia brand”: reinforcing the country’s identity and competitiveness

                            International public opinion has a well-defined image for every country. These impressions, often stereotypes, are influenced by centuries of history, the territory’s formation, the way its citizens behave, and even by chance. They tend to give preference to secondary aspects that have simply had a stronger impact on the collective imagination.

                          • Palermo
                          • 24 October 2008
                             
                             

                            Industry in Italy: development and internationalization

                              The seminar dealt with the main challenges that the Italian economic system is facing in this difficult chapter marked by the international financial crisis, of systemic origin, whose extent and length have yet to be determined.

                            • Palermo
                            • 24 October 2008
                               
                               

                              Assessing Globalization

                                The debate devoted to globalisation, as it evolved, naturally shifted its focus on financial crisis even though the analysis of the short-term aspects were quickly overcome by the medium- and long-term ones. The central question referred to the nature of the crisis: is it to be considered a cyclical or a structural change? Agreeing on the second scenario would mean that we are witnessing the breakdown of an established model and the end of capitalism and globalisation as we know it.

                              • Siracusa
                              • 12 October 2007
                                 
                                 

                                Infrastructures: between development and competition

                                  This seminar was also part of the national interest cycle. The discussion aimed to formulate proposals on how to create an integrated system of physical infrastructures, to boost Italian competitiveness in global markets. Infrastructure networks are an architecture around which multiple services can be developed. These, in turn, contribute to the growth of the economic system.

                                • Venice
                                • 4 May 2007
                                   
                                   

                                  The demographic revolution: implications for society and business

                                    The seminar on “The demographic revolution: implications for society and business”, held as part of the Aspen Seminars for Leaders program, examined the consequences of the net fall in population growth and the increased life expectancy of Europeans, as well as the consequent impact on the economic system. Growing migration flows need to be managed with a view to integration and stability by formulating the necessary institutional responses to deal with the spread of the phenomenon.

                                  • Siracusa
                                  • 12 October 2007
                                     
                                     

                                    Institutions, markets, enterprises: new rules to modernize Italy

                                      This seminar, part of a cycle of meetings on important issues dedicated to Italy’s national interests, addressed the main approach that should be taken to affirm the culture of value and quality of rules. In Italy, the perception that there is a lack of respect for the rules goes hand in hand with an unwieldy regulatory system lacking transparency. If those same rules were well designed and synthesized, they would contribute to social and economic development. Today, however, they are perceived as – and indeed sometimes are – an impediment to the country’s growth and modernization.

                                    • Siracusa
                                    • 12 October 2007
                                       
                                       

                                      The “Italia” brand to foster the country’s competitiveness

                                        This seminar examined those elements that constitute the strength and value of Italy’s namebrand, to understand possible strategies that can help build up a distinctive position for the country in the global market. Thanks to our first-class historic/artistic heritage, together with a proclivity for innovation, our past has given us a privileged position in the world. Italy’s strengths lie in its creativity, lifestyle, love of beauty and innate aesthetic sense. These are the elements on which “Made in Italy” is based; they should be further taken advantage of to develop Italy’s brand name.

                                      • Siracusa
                                      • 12 October 2007
                                         
                                         

                                        The TLC and media industry’s frontiers: opportunities for development and new markets

                                          Innovation has had a very strong impact on the world of telecommunications and media, and is profoundly changing the industry. This seminar sought to analyze the consequences of this revolution in order to understand new opportunities for entrepreneurs and investors, and to assess the transformation of individuals and society in an increasingly interconnected future. Web 2.0 is redefining identities and local boundaries and represents a challenge for politics and governments worldwide.

                                        • Venice
                                        • 4 May 2007
                                           
                                           

                                          Europe’s financial markets and global competition

                                            The seminar on “Europe’s financial markets and global competition”, held as part of the Aspen Seminars for Leaders program, set out to assess the competitiveness of the European financial system and its prospects for further integration and consolidation. Particular attention was also paid to the legislative framework and whether it was capable of keeping pace with rapid changes in the market.