Italy in the Post-Crisis Environment: Technology, Innovation and Global Competition

On December 7, the Brookings Center on the U.S. and Europe (CUSE), the Council for the U.S. and Italy and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce hosted Emma Marcegaglia, the Chairperson of Confindustria, for an address on the transatlantic economy in the post-crisis environment, with a focus on the Italian private sector. In her remarks, Ms. Marcegaglia discussed the role of technology and innovation in maintaining economic growth and development and overcoming economic challenges.

Ms. Marcegaglia has been Chairperson of Confindustria since May 2008. Founded in 1910, Confindustria is the principal Italian business confederation, representing over 140,000 manufacturing and services companies of all sizes and over 5 million employees.  Ms. Marcegaglia is the first woman ever to serve in that position, and she has been forthright and effective in advocating for Italy’s economic and political reform.  In addition to her role as head of Confindustria, she is the Managing Director of Marcegaglia S.p.A., a world leader in steel processing, President of Mita Resort and President of the Areté Onlus Foundation.

Michael Calingaert of the Council for the United States and Italy and Brookings introduced Ms. Macegaglia. Following her remarks, Peter Rashish of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce provided comments. After the program, Michael Calingaert moderated a question and answer session with the audience.