ITALY AND FRANCE are increasingly closer in collaboration in the economic field, on the issues of the green transition and on the need for synergistic action in view of greater recognition at an international level. In fact, there is greater attention to the theme of sustainability – both environmental and social – which becomes a decisive element in the relations between the two countries and gains first place as the main advantage resulting from their collaboration. The focus is placed in particular on encouraging the development of sustainable supply chains in various sectors (61% against 42% in 2023), combating climate change thanks to the reduction of CO2 emissions (42%) – an aspect on which 45% of companies are already working – treating their business partners fairly (38%) and promoting gender equality within the company (32%), which is already an element of active commitment by 29% of the sample.
On the subject of sustainability, Italian and French companies are therefore particularly aware of the need not to act individually, but to move in synergy with the surrounding economic and social context. For this reason, European institutions will also have to focus more on sustainable issues, in particular on the development of energy policies (62%) and climate change, in view of achieving the Net Zero 2050 objectives (49%). Also in view of the next elections, the need to strengthen relations and agreements between member states was also considered of particular importance (53%) with the aim of increasing the competitiveness of the countries part of the Union on the international scene. Immigration regulation (40%), support for the resolution of the Russian-Ukrainian conflict (37%) and the issue of digital transformation and the regulation of artificial intelligence (36%) are also identified as priorities for intervention. particular relevance after the approval of the AI Act.
Greater collaboration between the two countries could also give them a better positioning and an increase in competitiveness in the international context. In particular, increasing negotiating power compared to the European Union (61%), with the possibility of enhancing the areas of excellence that the two countries have in common (58%); as well as strengthening better geopolitical collaboration to foster conditions useful for the growth of trade, especially in the Mediterranean area (54%). Furthermore, collaboration would help pursue innovation (60%), build a vision and future prospects (55%) and increase the financial strength of companies (36%). The research data highlights, more generally, how for 80% of those interviewed the current collaboration between Italian and French companies is positive, substantially in line with last year’s result (78%); as well as the sentiment on the progress of the business, rated with satisfaction by 93% of those interviewed. The difficulty of forecasting for the next 2-3 years increases slightly, considering the uncertainties of the current period (74% assess that their situation will improve, compared to 82% in 2023). Greater collaboration between the two countries is desired by 99% of the sample, in line with last year, and for 91% it will lead to a win-win situation of equal advantage for both countries.
Making up this picture of greater uncertainty are four main concerns that afflict Italian and French companies, with a very similar level of intensity: the loss of purchasing power of families (36%), the difficulty of finding qualified personnel (34 %) and the increase in raw material prices (32%). All factors that have a concrete and immediate influence on the present situation. Also noteworthy is the concern regarding Europe’s loss of competitiveness (32%). The three areas in which greater closeness emerges between the two countries are the quality of products/productions (89% positive sentiment); the good quality of life (84%), the push for digital transition (80%) and attention to 360° sustainability (79%). Themes, digital and sustainability, which realize their potential if activated in synergistic action with each other. The “ability to relate to Europe” and the attention to social issues are growing. As regards the greater attention to sustainability, the element that most supports the adoption of sustainable behavior in the company is the belief that it can lead to increasing the reputation of one’s company (64%); for the rest it is a factor still strongly determined by the presence of a top management open to change and challenges (50%) and by a visionary ruling class with a clear vision of the future (47%).
