Italy experienced an "economic miracle" of its own (much like Germany and Japan. And thanks in part to the Marshall Plan) during the post WWII era spurred on by a reinvigorated entrepreneurial class as well as the steel industry and technological advances (hydrocarbons found in the Po Valley) centered around the Genoa-Turin-Milan triangle. Growth rates hovered around 6% for a few years.
It is here names like Olivetti and Lamborghini founds its stride with it Italy became an industrialized powerhouse.
You can a full detail here.
Because Italy is more than a geographic expression..
Showing posts with label economy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label economy. Show all posts
Friday, October 22, 2010
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Italy Has Work To Do On The Economic Freedom Front
While this blog explores one side of the Italian economic universe, one in which essentially captures its greatest creative qualities, it's not oblivious to its problems in a larger context. It's not all 'dolce vita" you know.
For example, Heritage Foundation published its annual Economic Freedom Index. Canada and the U.S. rank 7th and 8th respectively, but Italy (a member of the G8) is way down in 74th spot; tied with Greece. Leaving Russia aside for obvious reasons (I'm not so sure it even belongs in the G7), Italy is the lowest ranked G7 country.
I would think this is something the Italians will make a priority to rectify.
Not sure how realistic this objective is though.
For example, Heritage Foundation published its annual Economic Freedom Index. Canada and the U.S. rank 7th and 8th respectively, but Italy (a member of the G8) is way down in 74th spot; tied with Greece. Leaving Russia aside for obvious reasons (I'm not so sure it even belongs in the G7), Italy is the lowest ranked G7 country.
I would think this is something the Italians will make a priority to rectify.
Not sure how realistic this objective is though.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Made In Italy, Not China
I was talking with my cousin who was in town for a week. He's from Calabria and currently resides in France while maintaining a residence in Rome as well.
We were talking about, well, European life and society. Lotsa interesting tidbits too numerous and intricate to name and recount here. One thing that was interesting was France's unbelievable interventionism. He owns a counter-restaurant in a Parisian market where, among other things, he has to pay 500 euros (a year I believe; could be month) to operate a radio.
Sometimes I wonder how far behind North America is.
The other issue we discussed was the Italian consumer. Apparently, in Italy, Italians do not touch 'Made in China' products. To them, that's a line they will not cross. Which, I suppose, in part, explains why SME's and artisans continue to thrive as viable businesses in Italy since they have resisted the temptation to "outsource" their brands and manufacturing to China. Italians have spent centuries mastering their arts and luxury products. They're not about to let that disappear it looks like.
We were talking about, well, European life and society. Lotsa interesting tidbits too numerous and intricate to name and recount here. One thing that was interesting was France's unbelievable interventionism. He owns a counter-restaurant in a Parisian market where, among other things, he has to pay 500 euros (a year I believe; could be month) to operate a radio.
Sometimes I wonder how far behind North America is.
The other issue we discussed was the Italian consumer. Apparently, in Italy, Italians do not touch 'Made in China' products. To them, that's a line they will not cross. Which, I suppose, in part, explains why SME's and artisans continue to thrive as viable businesses in Italy since they have resisted the temptation to "outsource" their brands and manufacturing to China. Italians have spent centuries mastering their arts and luxury products. They're not about to let that disappear it looks like.
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