During the recent “Parole d’impresa” meeting organized by Confindustria, Italy's main employers association, discussions focused on the need to overcome parochialism in order to foster integrated economic development in Northwestern Italy. The debate featured contributions from experts such as Francesco Antonioli, economic journalist and author of the book “Progetto Nord-Ovest. Milano, Torino, Genova e il futuro dell’industria italiana”, Antonino Virgillito, Supply Chain Director at Verallia Italia, and Alberto Rosignoli, Administrative Director of TCF Rosignoli Logistics. Participants emphasized that it is essential to adopt a vision that goes beyond traditional territorial boundaries in favour of an approach based on economic and logistics flows.
Francesco Antonioli illustrated how the Mitogeno Project represents a model of strategic alliances between Milan, Turin, Genoa, and the Northwestern area, aimed at creating an efficient and interconnected network. Within this framework, Antonino Virgillito highlighted the challenges facing the logistics sector, pointing out that Italian infrastructure—particularly the railway system—is still not competitive enough. Virgillito stressed the need for targeted investments to improve transport efficiency and make make rail a truly sustainable alternative.
Alberto Rosignoli reiterated that logistics requires stable connections and more flexible infrastructure. At present, rail transport, while being a sustainable solution, suffers from rigidity that negatively affect the operational capacity and competitiveness of businesses. The issue of the so-called “middle lands”, such as Mantua, was also addressed. These areas can play a crucial role as a point of connection between the Northwest and Northeast of Italy. Experts agreed that such areas should complement major industrial hubs, leveraging their own specializations to integrate into a broader and more dynamic system.
In conclusion, speakers agreed that a shift in perspective is essential for Italian economic development. Strengthening infrastructure and creating collaborative networks will be key to overcoming localism and fostering the integration of economic flows. Only through this approach can Northwestern Italy - and the country as a whole - achieve sustainable and competitive development in the years ahead.