Piemonte is feeling the present recession
particularly hard: in contrast to the recent
past, today the difficulties come mainly
from the outside and do not depend on the
competitiveness of the region's productive
base. Piemonte is more exposed to the
downturn than other regions, owing to the
prevalence of manufacturing, investment
goods and consumer durables, and its export
orientation. The latest data confirm
the difficulties besetting the region.
The present crisis must not hinder efforts to further improve Piemonte's production system which has the potential to achieve ambitious goals: it is no longer enough simply to be one of Italy's strongest regions. Indeed, despite ranking first in Italy in terms of internationalisation, R&D intensity and technology trade surplus, Piemonte still lags behind the most dynamic and advanced European regions. Research, human resources, the efficiency of local administrations, a more cohesive regional innovation system, with fewer overlaps among the various public institutions and more interaction between research centres and the production system: these are the ingredients needed not just to shake off the crisis but also to close the gap with Europe's best regions and remain competitive at the European and global level. The banking system, operating in an increasingly competitive environment in which the relationship side is becoming ever more important, will not be found wanting either in helping businesses overcome contingent liquidity issues, in financing investments in innovation, or in supporting firms on the international markets.
If it manages to pool its talents and play as a team, once the present crisis is over Piemonte will be well placed to resume its leading role on the international stage.
The present crisis must not hinder efforts to further improve Piemonte's production system which has the potential to achieve ambitious goals: it is no longer enough simply to be one of Italy's strongest regions. Indeed, despite ranking first in Italy in terms of internationalisation, R&D intensity and technology trade surplus, Piemonte still lags behind the most dynamic and advanced European regions. Research, human resources, the efficiency of local administrations, a more cohesive regional innovation system, with fewer overlaps among the various public institutions and more interaction between research centres and the production system: these are the ingredients needed not just to shake off the crisis but also to close the gap with Europe's best regions and remain competitive at the European and global level. The banking system, operating in an increasingly competitive environment in which the relationship side is becoming ever more important, will not be found wanting either in helping businesses overcome contingent liquidity issues, in financing investments in innovation, or in supporting firms on the international markets.
If it manages to pool its talents and play as a team, once the present crisis is over Piemonte will be well placed to resume its leading role on the international stage.
Adriano Maestri
President, Commissione Abi Piemonte
President, Commissione Abi Piemonte