Italy

Climate change laws around the world

There has been a 20-fold increase in the number of global climate change laws since 1997, according to the most comprehensive database of relevant policy and legislation.

The database, produced by the Grantham Research Institute on Climate Change and the Environment and the Sabin Center on Climate Change Law, includes more than 1,200 relevant policies across 164 countries, which account for 95% of global greenhouse gas emissions.

Brexit negotiations should treat energy as ‘special case’

There are strong practical reasons why the UK and EU should treat energy as a appropriate case during Brexit negotiations, argues a new statement.

The statement, jointly authored by Chatham Home, the University of Exeter and the UK Energy Research Centre (UKERC), says finding common ground on energy during the Brexit negotiations would benefit both the UK and remaining EU27, while compromise may be relatively easier to achieve than for other areas.

Italy's 21st Century Reformation Back in the driving seat

With renewed confidence, Italy is seeing the knock-on result of an ambitious reform schedule. The country is taking the lead to shape a new European vision and has emerged as a crucial diplomatic and geostrategic player in the Mediterranean region

The eighth biggest economy, the fifth most popular tourism destination, and the undisputed world capital of the three F’s (fashion, furniture and food), the Italian treasury is buoyed by an exceptional luxury manufacturing sector, and the major number of UNESCO heritage sites on the planet.

Hit hard by the Great Recession of 2008 which obliterated 6% of the country’s GDP, Italy is at last emerging from its longest economic crisis.

Ministry of Justice Italy’s judicial reform streamlines dispute resolution and raises investor confidence

Reduced numbers of trials clogging up courtrooms, the introduction of computerization into civil trial procedures, and the creation of specialized Business Courts to handle business-related disputes for foreign investors are part the transformational changes swept in to Italy’s judicial system in recent years.

Although still a work in evolution, the government’s efforts are paying off. In just one year, Italy has leapt 13 places in the World Bank’s Relieve of Doing Business rankings for settlements of commercial disputes. The quality of legal services has improved and foreign investors’ confidence in commercial operations in Italy is as well on the rise.

Digital Revolution IoT, innovation & information crucial to future quality of life

Adrio de Carolis is well known as Italy’s guru of the digital economy, confirmed back in 1999 at the same time as Forbes featured him on their front cover. The CEO of market research and digital poll pioneer SWG, Mr de Carolis explains the company’s knack for handling the huge all of data on the internet and its findings on Italy’s renewed confidence, inclunding providing an insight into the role of social media research and analysis SWG can provide in preventing terrorist threats.

Borsa Italiana Luxury sector rallies in 2015 boosting Borsa Italiana to top performer spot

Claudio Costamagna, Chairman of Cassa Depositi e Prestiti (CDP)

Italy’s Cassa Depositi e Prestiti (CDP), the national promotional bank with a €400 billion budget, is on a mission to jump-start the Italian economy.

Essentially the country’s sovereign wealth fund, the CDP assists companies of all sizes—particularly corporations and companies involved in real estate and infrastructure—with venture capital funds and investing as a long-term partner.

Chaired by former Goldman Sachs investment banker Claudio Costamagna, the CDP is currently developing a Turnaround Fund to help companies that are still solid but are facing financial issues by intervening in their control and relaunching them with new management.

Custom Quality Glassware Venini adds another unique twist to glass making with a new partnership

Elegant, hand-made glassware and chandeliers steeped in history and tradition from ‘the Dior of lighting and vases’ is very much the forte of the renowned high quality glassmaker Venini. Partner of the highly respected family-run company Giulia Chimento provides a fascinating insight to its heritage, craft and evolution, and what’s next for the creative artisans.

Ministry of Labor & Social Policy Jobs Act and ‘flexicurity’ revolutionize Italy’s labor market

An essential piece in the Italian government’s reform schedule is the Jobs Act. Minister of Labor and Social Policy, Giuliano Poletti highlights the changes introduced that have produced additional than 750,000 permanent contracts last year and created additional flexibility in Italy’s labor market.

Italy is finally emerging from its deepest crisis since World War II with a GDP increase of +0.8% in 2015 and projections set at +1.6% for 2016. Looking back at Italy’s performance over this completed year, what are the country’s greatest achievements in your opinion?