National Programs

The Milan roundtable focused on ongoing transformations that link the finance sector with that of insurance companies in the vastly changed global scenario, especially in consideration of newly emerging economies. Particular attention was paid to the tricky issue of export credit insurance, a sector seriously affected by this changed environment. In the current international context, new players are constantly appearing and value systems have to cross national boundaries.

The roundtable represented a unique opportunity to reflect upon relations between the West and Islam. Since September 11, 2001, it has been clear that this relationship represents one of the world’s key problems. Nor can the relationship be dealt with in the manner of “normal” international relations: they involve broad, complicated meanings and many different dimensions. In other words, even if the word “clash” is too strong, there is undoubtedly an ongoing comparison, discussion and study between the two cultural approaches.

Globalization of markets and cultures, the rise of new world powers, the rapid progress made in the field of ICT and the continuous growth in efficiency levels in all sectors, favour the growth of new complex organizations in all sectors, from business to politics and society. These require clear and efficient regulations which can guarantee their perfect functioning in an ever changing environment. In this context, human resources are once again the number one asset for every organization intending to compete at an international level.

The discussion analyzed the various ways to encourage the use of alternative sources of energy; an issue which has been widely discussed in the past and now brings us to discover and experiment innovative solutions such as carbon sequestration or new generation photovoltaic cells which may lead us to a change in our usual habits. Energy saving, nuclear power, carbon and renewable energy sources are prime candidates in bringing their contribution to the solution of a crisis determined by the scarcity of oil fields.

The roundtable “Integrated pension plans: present picture and prospects for the future” highlighted the relationship between demographics, aging and pension systems. It took a close look at the lack of financial sustainability of the latter without any tax intervention on salaries and on the general population. Participants analyzed the solutions adopted by most of the OECD countries and there was a discussion of some of the best practices worldwide.

The roundtable “Fighting poverty” was hosted by the Community of Sant’Egidio and offered participants the opportunity to consider how Italy – a G8 member state – might better fight widespread poverty. Greater commitment is needed if the planet’s poorest regions are to recover, especially in Africa. Most of the aid promised by donors is in fact aimed at Africa, yet the continent remains desperate. Promises must be kept and new strategies must be developed if our objective of halving poverty by 2015 is to be realized.

The National Interest, topic to which Aspen has always paid great attention, needs to be redefined and set in a European context. The recent EU laws have in fact removed market barriers, yet there is still a significant difference within national economic systems and their laws. The problem lies within the political and economic establishments which are not capable of dealing with important challenges, this also due to a lack of generation turnover which is particularly bad in Italy.

The Roundtable on “Italy and the implementation of the Lisbon agenda” was an occasion for Aspen members to discuss Italy’s contribution to the implementation of the Lisbon 2000 agreements between EU countries. Participants discussed the validity and integration of the National Reform Plan that Italy is going to present at the next European Council meeting to be held in Spring. Particular interest was given to the liberalization of the service sector (in accordance to EU policies), to making price determination criteria and demand liberalization.

Brandnames live in a complicated, multidimensional world, in a dynamic system that demands well-defined, unique, memorable, seductive personalities. A brand suggests to the consumer a series of symbols and values that make up that consumer’s attitude and desires in a vast social environment. Participants went so far as to speak of a “brand alchemy”. Businesses must take into account new social and cultural trends to maintain their customers, and phenomenons such as budget crises, recession, anti-global movements, and so on, demonstrate the vulnerability of brandnames.

From the meeting it appears that a convergence of the different platforms opens new scenarios for content producers as well as for broadcasters and new entrants in the market. In order to maximise the potentials of this sector, participants focused their attention on a few priorities. First of all, technological neutrality which is a must for the future.