«Attrattivi per la qualità del nostro ecosistema»

The initial survey revealed a positive signal: a significant number of businesses reported increased activity and moderate expansion expected for the second half of the year. This aligns with the strengthening presence of foreign companies in Italy, driven by the growth of existing ones. Barbara Cimmino, Confindustria's vice president for export and investment attraction, commented on these Barometro results.

Job creation remains the central theme, but the inclination to invest is positive yet does not automatically lead to new employment. In a period of uncertainty and changing production models, companies continue to invest with caution about labor dynamics. What are the expectations for our country? The Barometro highlights a distinction: firms express favorable assessments of their own activity and prospects, yet are more prudent about the Italian economy as a whole.

For the remaining months of 2026, slightly more expect worsening than expect improvement. Italian companies with foreign control have progressively increased, but especially their contribution to the national economy: they generate 21% of turnover and employ about 10% of workers. How has this trend changed the characteristics of the Italian entrepreneurial fabric?

Foreign-controlled firms are fully integrated into the Italian production system. For each euro of direct added value, they activate 2.1 and each direct employee corresponds to 3.4 indirectly supported through productive interdependencies. This impact extends to sectors and regions, also in terms of innovation: foreign firms generate 38.1% of national enterprise R&D and, integrated into international networks, foster the spread of skills, technologies, and new organizational standards.

What makes Italy most attractive for multinationals? What are the drawbacks? Italy's appeal depends on the quality of its ecosystem: developed industries, specialized suppliers, innovation, expertise, universities, and research. The drawbacks: make investment simpler and more predictable, improve efficiency of the nation, clarify rules, coordinate between center and territories, and reduce decision-making time.