The ‘manifesto for a competitive Italy’ was signed at the Angi Forum.

The Manifesto for a Competitive Italy represents an important step towards a future in which Italy can be a protagonist of innovation on a global level. With the commitment of all the actors involved, from institutions to businesses, from universities to startups, Italy can seize the opportunities offered by digital transformation and build a more prosperous and sustainable future. “The Manifesto – undersecretary Bitonci underlines – is the mission of our ministry which with the new name aims to create innovation and new businesses. We have a precise idea about the various innovative sectors, the EU must indicate the objectives leaving the States free members to achieve them independently, each according to their own national excellences. The technological neutrality according to which once the objectives and parameters have been set are our excellences able to freely undertake their own path“.

Successful startuppers, economists and research institutes also commented on the manifesto. Federica Pasini, CEO and co-Founder of Hacking Talents comments: “I have been in the world of startups for more than 10 years and all the points of the manifesto are essential. Of particular relevance are points 3 and 7 of the manifesto: in fact, there is a lack of a systemic mentality that sees the involvement of multiple players, small and large; furthermore, it is essential to have risk capital and the right mindset to innovate and approach risk these resources and energies and the lack of investments”. Followed by Manila Di Giovanni, CEO and Founder of D-World who says: “Unfortunately, most investments are made in the United States and China. The best resources in Europe are moving towards horizons more favorable to innovation , we are experiencing a significant delay in this sense. Then there is a fundamental issue of innovation, when there are innovative startups they have to deal with different, fragmented, slow national regulations, which must then be implemented within a timely manner. very long. We then need to speed up the process: regulation is a problem for innovation.”

From the business world, Flavio Arzarello, Public Policy Manager, Economic and Regulatory policy, Italy at Meta highlights: “Completion of the digital single market, harmonization of regulation between the twenty-seven Member States and a partnership relationship on artificial intelligence between the EU and American tech companies around common values.” These are the priorities identified by Flavio Arzarello, head of Economic and Regulatory Affairs at Meta for Italy who spoke at the Young innovators business forum underway in Milan. According to Meta “Europe has the possibility of catching up on the accumulated delay if in the next 5 years it arrives at a harmonized regulatory framework that accompanies and does not hinder innovation“. In this direction, Arzarello proposed accompanying each new legislative proposal with an “impact assessment on competitiveness through a rigorous economic analysis”.

Finally, Cesare Pozzi, Luiss Professor of Applied Economics, intervenes on the topic: “Often there is excessive regulation, there is almost a natural tendency to regulate too much which Europe has fully assumed while we must not get carried away too much with the rules. Europe is no longer able to innovate: we still think we are leaders, that we lead transformations, but perhaps we should take a bath in humility and think about innovating“. While for Carlo Stagnaro, Research and Studies Director of the Bruno Leoni Institute: “What we have behind us is a five-year period in which the EU has done a lot, perhaps too much. Any innovation has been viewed with suspicion, and even the actions of some subjects particularly important. This has led to many regulations, which are now starting to generate real effects. Perhaps the next legislature should focus on correcting some things, on getting rid of others. We must perhaps understand one thing, that it is more important to be a leader in innovation rather than regulation.It is more important to be a leader in innovation than in regulation“.

Concludes Eleonora Faina, General Director of Anitec Assinform, who points out: “Europe could do a little less. Consider that the AI Act is 400 pages, it is difficult to apply it all. It is also difficult for SMEs to find their way in this world very complex for them. Compliance requires costs and SMEs must decide where to invest, in compliance or in innovation Too many companies do compliance and few do innovation“.